Thoughts on manual database design?

[Jay Jaeger]

On 10/3/2015 3:26 AM, Dave G4UGM wrote:
>> Yes, there is.  That is why an *artifact* - a given *hardcopy* of a
>> manual - has a *publisher*.   As I mentioned in an earlier reply at some
>> point to someone, a given manual applies to a single machine
>> *manufacturer* (e.g., Apollo is considered the manufacturer of the DN
>> series, even though, technically, later HP made them for a year or two), but a
>> given manual with the same number the applies to them might have Apollo
>> as a publisher (older copy) and HP (newer copy - with the same contents).
>>
>> A given hardcopy of a manual could not change publishers.  The publisher is
>> permanent characteristic of that copy.
>>
> 
> MOST attributes can change over time as new information comes to light. So for example I also follow one of the Slide Rule forums and new information as to who actually "Made" rather than "Sold" a particular rule all the time. Even the color fades....
> 

If I were interested in a museum quality inventory, I might worry about
things to that level of detail.  But as I stated early on, I am not.  I
am not about to worry about such things for 5,000+ manuals.

Still, a given hardcopy cannot change who published it.  It is written
on the page.

JRJ