Re: LOGO-L> Language vs Visual

[mikedoyle@cix.compulink.co.uk (Mike Doyle)]

In-Reply-To: <Pine.OSF.3.91.970711193105.24931C-100000@mugca.cc.monash.edu.au>-

Jeff Richardson wrote:

On Fri, 11 Jul 1997, Mike Doyle wrote:
> 
>> Morse code was the original binary representation system. Based on 
>> Leibniz's articulation of the fact that a minimum of two characters are 
>> required to convey meaning this represents the end point in the 
>> development of passive written communication. 
> This is complete nonsense. Reading and writing with an alphabet made of 
> Morse is plainly and absurdly more difficult than with the regular 
> alphabet.
> Morse is a code to enable machine transmission of language. Better 
> machines have seen it fall into disuse. Some end point.

The same might be said of binary representation - of which Turting 
commented that he saw no reason to express programs in any other form.

The end point in the development of writing is, as Leibniz noted, a two 
character code. This is not a number system but closer in form to the 
alphabet. It has had various manifestations including Morse code and 
Jaquard. If you look at the first program written (www.cs.man.ac.uk) you 
will see how this writing system is used. (Try replacing the 1 and 0 with 
other characters (I use 0 and Z).) 


Micheal O Duill

---------------------------------------------------------------
Please post messages to the Logo forum to logo-l@gsn.org.  Mail
questions about the list administration to logofdn@gsn.org.  To
unsubscribe send    unsubscribe logo-l    to majordomo@gsn.org.