RE: Fw: So who said it first .... (semi off topic)

I certainly did not invent the idea. I was probably introduced to it by studying guys like Donald Knuth and Jon Bentley back before I had ever heard of Oracle.  

The general idea apparently dates back to 1668, if not before: http://www.bartleby.com/66/9/40109.html. :-)  

The earliest written reference in my own writing is, I believe, on pp289-290 of Optimizing Oracle Performance, where I describe the principle as a "well-worn joke."    

Cary Millsap

Hotsos Enterprises, Ltd.

http://www.hotsos.com

Nullius in verba  

Hotsos Symposium 2008 / March 2-6 / Dallas

Visit www.hotsos.com for curriculum and schedule details...

From: oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org
[mailto:oracle-l-bounce_at_freelists.org] On Behalf Of Robyn Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:15 AM To: nigel_cl_thomas_at_yahoo.com
Cc: oracle-l
Subject: Re: Fw: So who said it first .... (semi off topic)  

hmmm ... suppose I need to check with Cary and Anjo and see if they can attribute the original sentiment to someone.  

I really hope it's someone other than Cary ... I'm already quoting his work on two methods; I'd like to have a little more variety in my references :)  

I do like the quote from Anjo. It's more precise than the one I was planning to use.  

thank you and additional recollections would be appreciated ... Robyn  

On 2/3/08, Nigel Thomas <nigel_cl_thomas_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

I'm inclined to think Cary may have got it off Dave Ensor/Graham Wood/Chris Ellis. We used that philosophy in the Oracle UK Performance Studies Group back around 89-91. But I doubt I have any surviving references...

Cheers Nigel
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http://www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l Received on Mon Feb 04 2008 - 10:48:25 CST