Abstract

Two formalisms that have been used extensively in the last few years for the calculation of programs are the Eindhoven quantifier notation and the formalism developed by Bird and Meertens. Although the former has always been applied with ultimate goal the derivation of imperative programs and the latter with ultimate goal the derivation of functional programs there is a remarkable similarity in the formal games that are played. This paper explores the Bird-Meertens formalism by expressing and deriving within it the basic rules applicable in the Eindhoven quantifier notation. 1 Calculation was an endless delight to Moorish scholars. They loved problems, they enjoyed finding ingenious methods to solve them, and sometimes they turned their methods into mechanical devices. (J. Bronowski, The Ascent of Man. Book Club Associates: London (1977).) 1 Introduction Our ability to calculate --- whether it be sums, products, differentials, integrals, or whatever --- would be woefull...

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