Mathematically defined sequences

[franktaw at netscape.net]

The OEIS has never been restricted to mathematically defined sequences. 

As far back as A000052 we have "1-digit numbers arranged in 
alphabetical
order, then the 2-digit numbers arranged in alphabetical order, then 
the
3-digit numbers, etc."  And A000053 is "Local stops on New York City
Broadway line subway."

If I had been the one to start it, I probably would have restricted it 
to
mathematically defined sequences.  I won't say that Neil was wrong to 
do
it the way he did, however; there are strong arguments on either side.

I have argued that there should be a keyword for non-mathematical
sequences.  It would not, I think, be necessary to add this keyword to
the sequences that have the "word" keyword, but it would be useful
for the remaining cases.  If nothing else, it might prevent this exact
argument from breaking out periodically.

Franklin T. Adams-Watters

(I have changed the subject line; this has nothing to do with Rosh 
Hoshana
any more.)

-----Original Message-----
From: gould at math.wvu.edu

Yes, but you fail to address the matter of MATHEMATICALLY defined 
sequences, which most of these offending sequences are not. Why not 
just start a separate Online Encyclopedia of _Interesting_ Sequences to 
contrast with the original OEIS? 
 
--Gould 

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