Kees Van Der Laan Prelude for You and Me

TEXing mathscripts is not simply typing. Math has to be translated into TEX commands. First the motivation for this work is given. Next traditional math page make-up is summarized along with the macroscopic math TEX commands. After answering ‘Why TEXing mathscripts is difficult?’ an anthology of TEXfalls and their antidotes is discussed. At the end suggestions are given in order to lessen the difficulties. Prelude My assistance was called for in TEXing a mathscript. Part of the mathscript was typed, contained TEX commands, but : : : did not pass the TEX formatter. Inspection revealed it never could have. It occurred to me that at least three typists had been involved, demonstrating the use of LATEX, AMS-TEX and macros from other sources, all mixed up. Furthermore, the TEXscript showed various TEXfalls. I like to define these as: correct TEXing not yielding the required or customary lay-out. Also the pseudo-guru involvement was felt, which I like to define as too complicated use of TEX, inhibiting intelligibilty of the TEXscript, with a wink to TB373 ‘Always remember, however, that there’s usually a simpler and better way to do something than the first way that pops into your head.’ Not only did I look over the shoulder of a typist, I also inspected a math book, TEXed by a mathematician, Temme(1990). The book looks good. Examples are taken from it in order to show other ways of TEXing. A matter of taste? In the sequel attention is paid to Traditional math page make-up. What makes TEXing mathscripts difficult? An anthology of TEXfalls2 with antidotes. What ought to be done to lessen the difficulties. For you and me Most, if not all, (math) TEXfalls have been envisioned by the grand wizard himself and references to those or related issues are indicated by TB (The TEXbook) followed by page or exercise number. Mathscript denotes a mathematics manuscript. TEXscript denotes a TEX formatted compuscript, especially the one my assistance was asked for. TEXnigma is a computer system with TEX installed. TEXnowledge means knowledge of TEX. TEXist is a TEX typist. BLUe is DEK’s unwary B.L. User. The math book denotes Temme(1990).