One overall purpose. The single aim of this presentation is to make possible the integrated use of every detail of available geologic information taken from rocks in order to achieve better resolution in sequence correlation, in paleoecologic interpretation and in logging the course of evolution. At present much paleontologic and other descriptive work is entirely compartmentalised and is usually embarked upon without closely considering such application of the information.

As indicated on the List of Contents, the first part of the book is devoted to an analysis of the problem, followed by a second part of six chapters proposing a complete revision of paleontologic data-handling in preparation for more profitable computing in semi-numerical languages. The third part, starting at Chapter 9, deals with the information-handling resulting from interpretation of the data; this is designed as a preparation of non-numerical computer manipulation through artificial-intelligence languages. The final part contains summaries and is followed by a glossary. This book is not concerned with computer programs of any kind but solely with the logical arrangements for potential input.

Terminology. The introduction of new ideas inevitably generates some new terminology so that fresh concepts may start life without confusion. It is also sometimes necessary to discourage use of certain older terms which may prove to be poorly defined or may obstruct. To reduce difficulty caused by these introductions and changes, a comprehensive glossary of all such terms is included at the end of this book.