Re: Another view on analysis and ER

Quoth Jonathan Leffler:
> Now, consider what else is stored in the database. For the analysis of
> isotopes, the atomic number is the important key - the different
> isotopes of hydrogen all share the same atomic number, but have
> different names (deuterium and tritium) even though chemically they are
> all hydrogen.
>
> For the analysis of chemical compounds, it is much more familiar to use
> the element symbol - more people have come across H2O and CO2 than are
> familiar with 1/2, 8/1 and 6/1, 8/2 (where I'm using atomic number /
> multiplicity in the second notation). I'm glossing over some notational
> inconveniences (consider the relational representation of your old
> friend C2H5OH, for example), but the point remains - for some purposes,
> the better key to use is atomic number and for other purposes, the
> better key to use is element symbol.
>
> Which key to use is a logical issue here, isn't it?

Which key to use for what is definitely a logical issue, but designating one as primary does not mandate how it is used. I'm not sure if you are agreeing or disagreeing with me..?

-- 
Jon