Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site ucf-cs.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!duke!ucf-cs!giles
From: giles@ucf-cs.UUCP (Bruce Giles)
Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: Re: Re: The Library! -- Possible Future
Message-ID: <1107@ucf-cs.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 3-Dec-83 14:57:23 EST
Article-I.D.: ucf-cs.1107
Posted: Sat Dec  3 14:57:23 1983
Date-Received: Mon, 5-Dec-83 04:42:33 EST
References: <2629@hp-pcd.UUCP>
Organization: University of Central Florida
Lines: 35

My whole point was that, like it or not, we will soon have the conterpart
of a "Library" ourselves.  In fact, we have the beginnings of one now.

When was the last time you solved a non-trivial integeral without using
a reference book?  I know that I normally use the CRC tables, or the one
by Abramowitz and Steigum (sp?).  

How long will it be before such systems go on-line?  Before entire classes
of problems are solvable using "expert knowledge" systems.  I have heard
interesting things about general relativity and computers; how long until
*only* computers can handle the actual mathematics in such areas?

I agree that we should never take such answers for granted, but what about
when we do not *have* the ability to check the results of a Library without
using a Library?

I presented my scenario earlier to point out the fact that we will be in 
precisely that position in the near future.  (ok -- I admit it, I can think
of millenia as short periods of time. :-) )

Finally, perhaps we should split this discussion into two headers: one based
on the universe of *Startide Rising*, the other based on our own based on 
AI research.


ave discordia
Bruce Giles
---------------------------------------------
UUCP:		decvax!ucf-cs!giles
cs-net:		giles@ucf
ARPA:		giles.ucf-cs@Rand-Relay
Snail:		University of Central Florida 
		Dept of Math, POB 26000
		Orlando Fl 32816
---------------------------------------------