Algebraic Relational Theory

["Tim Gwinn" <***>]

Hi all,

I just stumbled across something that was new to me and might be of interest
to others. It is regarding additions made to the relational biology approach
of Rosen/Rashevshky that were created by Carlos Leguizamon. The only
extensive online paper I found regarding this was by ALBA N. ZARETZKY,
entitled "REVIEW: THE ALGEBRAIC RELATIONAL THEORY AND ITS APPLICATIONS", in
the Journal of Biological Systems, Vol. 8, No. 3 (2000) 279-317.

According to the article:
"In 1973, Carlos Leguizamon began an effort to expand the relational
concepts put forward by Robert Rosen, spending one full year with him. At
that time no one knew that this effort would eventually transform itself
into a full edged research program for the next 25 years. The Algebraic
Relational Theory is the net result of such sustained effort."

I have only browsed the paper quickly, and not yet studied it in any detail.
The paper provides a short overview of category and lattice theory, an
overview of his extensions to relational modelling and some example
applications. Leguizamon apparently brings relational versions of "extrinsic
energy" and "material physical nature" into the models. The paper is
definitely a non-trivial read, with a heavy mathematical orientation.

The article is available online for $19US as a 39-page PDF, at:
http://www.worldscinet.com/jbs/08/0803/S0218339000000213.html

As I say, I am unfamiliar with Leguizamon's work, and also have only had
time to browse the article, so I don't know how useful others may find it.
But it looked interesting enough that I thought it worth mentioning.

Regards,
Tim