Re: The Theoretical Foundations of the Relational Model

"Paul G. Brown" wrote:
> [sylogistic and symbolic logic]

Good essay Paul.

I've seen these two distinguished by analogy to arithmetic vs algebra. That is, sylogistic logic is the arithmetic of logic, whereas symbolic logic is the algebra.

Bertrand Russell was impressed towards the end of his life with the work of one G. Spencer-Brown in the book "Laws of Form", which I believe is now out of print. It has ISBN 0-525-47544-3, and was first published in 1969, if anyone wants to look it up (I have a photocopy of the 1977 imprint).

Russell said "in this book Mr. Spencer-Brown has succeeded in doing what is very rare indeed. He has revealed a new calculus of great power and simplicity. I congratulate him.". Russell thought of his Theory of Types to be an arbitrary and unsatisfying kluge to which he was delighted to see such a simple resolution.

What's become of these ideas? Has anyone else here read this book? If I understand it at all I think it should have major implications for relational theory.

--
Clifford Heath