Re: A Modest Proposal

  Why not write equations just like in a program with an <EQU> tag:
<EQU> (W+X)/(Z*Y) </EQU>
to render the equation in whatever manner best suites the hardware.  If the 
parsing rules are correct, then the equation should be displayable and valid 
even on a text screen.  For some signs (roots, integrals, etc.) which perform 
operations on sections of an equation, you could use an operator (say &sqrt or 
&ROOTn where n is the root number) followed by a value or an expression 
enclosed in parenthesis.  For graphic viewers, the thing could be parsed and 
the equation display built on the fly.  For text viewers, the the operator 
could simply be displayed as a corresponding character or as a highlighted 
version of the operator's tag.  In any case, the equation would be valid and 
readable, straight forward, and not emplimentation dependant in any way.
  Just $0.02.
  Don
  (dgreer@tsl.texas.gov)

Received on Friday, 27 January 1995 12:20:44 UTC