Terminology

Leonordo, Vol. 7 , p. 357. Pergamon Press 1974. Printed in Great Britain TERMINOLOGY The terms defined below were selected from artists’ articles and notes published in the previous issue of Leonardo. Each definition is followed by an indication of the volume and page number of Leonardo on which the term first appears. The terms were not found in the art dictionaries included in the list in Leonardo 7, 65 (1974) or they are used in a new sense. Some are terms that have been carried over into the field of art from the natural and social sciences, from mathematics and from technology. Numbers in brackets, e.g. [lo, 151, refer to the dictionaries mentioned above. The definitions are not presumed to be unassailable. The Editors would, therefore, welcome the comments of readers on the definitions presented. 1. Abstract algebra (in mathematics)-The branch of mathematics that examines the methods of classical algebra in order to find the minimum number of algebraic properties that insure their success. The results of the examination are embodied in algebraic structures of which the number system is an example of one type. (7, 193; [ll]) 2. Atmosphericsculpture-(7,207) (cf. Sky sculpture, below) 3. Factor of a polynomial (inmathematics)-One of two or more polynomials whose product is the given polynomial. (7, 194) (cf. Polynomial, below) 4. Field (in mathematics)-A generalization of a number system studied in abstract algebra. A field is an algebraic stucture or set for which, between any two elements a and b, two operations are defined and possess specific properties. (7, 194; Ill]) (cf. Abstract algebra, above) 5. Finite field (in mathematics)-A field having a finite number of elements. (7, 194; [17]) (cf. Field, above) 6. Galois field (in mafliemafics)-For a polynomial p with coefficientsin a field F, the Galois field GF of p relative to F is the smallest field that contains F and has the property that p can be factored into linear factors. (7, 194; [13]) (cf. Factor and field, above, and polynomial, below) 7. Line printer (in computer technique)-A highspeed printing device guided by the output of a computer that can print an entire line of characters simultaneously. (7, 193; [17]) 8. Logarithmic curve (in mat1ietnatics)-A curve traced by a point with ordinates y increasing arithmetically (e.g. 1, 2, 3, .. .) and abscissas x increasing geometrically (e.g. a, a*, a3, . . .), where a has a value greater than one. It is asymptotic to the negative y-axis and crosses the x-axis where x = 1. The equation of the curve is written as y = log, x. (7, 243; [3]) 9. Lumino-kinetic painting-A term used by N. Calos for F. J. Malina’s Lumidyne system for making kinetic paintings with electric light. (7, 253) (cf. Liimidyne system and Iiiminoiis mobile, Terminology, Leonardo 1, 199 (1968) and 2, 81 (1969)) 10. Modulo (inmathematics)-A preposition usually used in the phrase ‘congruence modulo p’, which states that two elements are equivalent if and only if their difference is divisible byp (a number or a polynomial). (7, 197; U71) 11. Neoprene (in chemistry)-A synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of chloroprene and characterized by superior resistance to certain materials, such as oils. (7, 207; [17]) 12. Polynomial (in mathematics)-A sum of two or more algebraic terms each of which consists of a constant multiplied by one or more variables raised to a nonnegative integral power, e.g. a + bx + cx2. (7, 194; 1171) 13. Prime number (in mathematics)-A whole number that is divisible without remainder by no whole number except itself and one. (7, 197; [3]) 14. Semiology-(7, 201)(cf. Semiotics,Terminology, Leonardo 3, 234 (1970)) 15. Signifier (in semiology)-A sign, broadly considered to include images, gestures, musical sounds and objects, introduced in a natural or culturalenvironment to render it meaningful. (7, 203) (cf. Semiotics, Terminology, Leonardo 3, 234 (1970)) 16. Sky sculpture,atmosphericsculpture-A type of sculpture, developed by H. Woody, involving combinations of such materials as weather balloons, plastic sheets, smoke candles and flares, suitably tethered or allowed to ascend in free flight, that is directed toward air in motion as its prime medium. (7, 207) 17...