Stephen R. Heller

Numerical data acquisition, dissemination and retrieval systems

Abstract Scientific data acquisition, dissemination and retrieval methods are continuing to develop. As both information specialists and working scientists realize the need for, and value of, good scientific data, there is more activity in this area. Some problems in this field are described. The creation of a knowledge base for spectroscopy is proposed as a means of helping to solve the problem of chemical structure elucidation.

Publishing on the Internet — a proposal for the future☆

Abstract This TrAC Internet column contains some comments on the mechanics of this column, current electronic publishing and some musings on the future of electronic publishing. I would hope this will stimulate some lively discussions on these matters.

Using the Informant for searching for analytical chemistry information on the World Wide Web

For someone wanting to find what information is available on the WWW in the area of anlytical chemistry, The Informant is a quick and easy way to get started. As this facility improves, and others like it are developed, these personal search agent engines will become more prevalent. While not a real alternative to the commercial databases for chemical information, these are a cheap and easy way to get started. They are also a good way to learn how to create and modify search profiles. This notion of using the Internet as a first step in a search process is not new, but it has not yet come to chemistry. With a little effort on the part of journal publishers, good intelligent agents, and an informed community of users, this process may well become one of the really practical and useful aspects of the Internet

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY INFORMATION AT NIST

Abstract NIST is a unique and valuable source of scientific data. It is now just starting to make some of this data available, presently at no cost, to the chemical community. Plans are now underway to expand the types and amounts of data which will be on the Chemistry Webbook site. Included in this will be limited, but useful, access to the NIST IR and mass spectral data. As the amount of high quality data available increases, this web site will be an even more valuable tool. I suggest you visit it often.

The Beilstein NetFire system

Abstract A new and valuable literature-based database and search system, called NetFire, has recently been made available on the Internet by Beilstein Information Systems [1]. It is the first attempt by Beilstein to provide chemical information outside of their main area of extracted and evaluated data. The existing Beilstein system, provided via their Cross-Fire system, is an in-house system which has received wide acceptance since it was introduced about two years ago. NetFire is a very new and different system, and for readers of TrAC, a nice Internet resource. It is yet another example of the innovation of new and modern electronic products which have characterized Beilstein in the few years since the organization is no longer being funded, in part, by the German Government, but rather must stand on its own.

Introduction to DIALOG Search Software

This chapter is designed to provide you with a brief introduction to the DIALOG search software system capabilities and features. It is not meant to replace the extensive and detailed Searching DIALOG: The Complete Guide, available from Dialog Information Services.

Sample Search Sessions in Beilstein Online

This chapter is designed to provide the user with examples of searches in Beilstein Online. While numerous examples of search procedures, including login and logoff, have been shown elsewhere in this manual, this is the only location in the manual where examples are presented as complete sessions.

Searching and Displaying Structures in Beilstein Online

This chapter describes what is in the Beilstein Structure Database and how it can be searched. Structure searching in the Beilstein Database is greatly facilitated by MOLKICK, a PC-resident structure drawing program, although it is possible to conduct structure searches without using MOLKICK. This section will not repeat what has been published in the MOLKICK manual, and for details concerning that program, users are urged to consult the manual.

Introduction to Beilstein Online

The standard reference work known today as Beilsteins Handbuch der Organischen Chemie is a descendant of the original Handbuch, whose first edition was created by F. K. Beilstein in St. Petersburg in 1881.

Factual Data Search and Display

The central purpose of the online Beilstein Database is to permit the locating and retrieval of selected data from this very large file. The two operations you will become familiar with if you work very long with the system are searching (the means of locating items), and display (the means of seeing the things you have retrieved).