Prolog is one of the most successful "very high level languages." Describes this programming language (a product of artificial intelligence research) and attempts to show how it functions by using some short examples to illustrate its essential features. (JN)

Discusses the brief history of microcomputers, offering some predictions about hardware trends. Gives explicit criteria for judging a computer language and discusses different programing languages in terms of what has been used in the past, and why, and what might be appropriate for the future. (JN)

Discusses algebraic programing languages, availability of these languages, and programing problems. Also discusses the future of these languages in chemical research and chemical education. A program illustrating the general algebraic and algebraic matrix manipulating capabilities of the REDUCE language is included. (JN)

Explains the attributes of a good laboratory language and the advantages and disadvantages of specific computer languages such as Forth, Pascal, C, APL, BASIC, and Fortran. Attributes considered focus on user/computer, instrument/computer, and user/user communication. (JN)

Outlines some of the major innovations found in FORTRAN 77 as compared to FORTRAN 66, emphasizing changes important to the teaching of applied FORTRAN to engineering students. (SK)

Compares Apple Macintosh and IBM PC microcomputers in terms of their usefulness in the laboratory. No attempt is made to equalize the two computer systems since they represent opposite ends of the computer spectrum. Indicates that the IBM PC is the most useful general-purpose personal computer for laboratory applications. (JN)

Discusses how LOGO programing language is used in physics teaching at Piedmont Virginia Community College in West Virginia. Also: (1) considers the characteristics of the language which make it attractive in physics teaching; (2) lists sample programs; (3) offers instructional strategies; and (4) presents student reactions. (JN)

Addresses questions of the philosophy of computer use that cut across various specialities, providing examples to make these distinctions clear. Topics considered include numerical analysis, simulations, software, Fortran computer language, and hardware. Indicates that computers do more than analyze experimentors' data. (JN)

Investigates using the microcomputer to develop a sentence parser to simulate intelligent conversation used in artificial intelligence applications. Compares the ability of LOGO and BASIC for this use. Lists and critiques several LOGO and BASIC parser programs. (MVL)

Describes: (1) laboratory information science in the clinical chemistry curriculum; (2) testing Boyle's Law, a context for statistical methods in undergraduate laboratories; (3) acquiring chemical concepts using microcomputers as tutees; and (4) using Data Interchange Format files for Apple microcomputers. Includes feedback from a previous article…

Discusses the nature of expert systems, including various techniques they use to represent knowledge (such as production rules, semantic networks, frames, first-order logic, and others), system interactions, and such problem domains as science, medicine, computer configuration, trouble-shooting/repair, and oil/mineral exploration. Also discusses…

Points out that mainframe computer users today can make their requirements known to the computer in simple English. Provides a listing of fourth generation computer language advantages over third generation languages. Summarizes a program to streamline faculty records on a mainframe computer. (MVL)

Discusses the possibility of having chemistry students do their own computer programing that could then be used to solve problems in general chemistry. Describes such an effort at Eastern Washington University. Provides examples of some of the student programs and printouts. (TW)

Title, author(s), publisher, price, and review are provided for nine computer oriented publications. These include books related to the use of microcomputers in educational settings, computer assisted instruction, LOGO programming language, and the role of the computer in schools as a tutor, tool, and tutee. (JN)

Describes two computer programs used to aid in data analysis: (1) Develops a method for the propagation of error involving the direct calculation of the error in the dependent variable using a spreadsheet; (2) Examines a simple numerical method for solving complex equilibria. Lists a FORTRAN 77 program. (MVL)