On Sep 15, 2008, at 7:50 AM, Poul-Henning Kamp wrote:
In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, "Ma
gnus Danielson" writes:
Everything is arbitrary as base scale and division.
Uhm no.
All bases larger than 2 are arbitrary and all scalings are arbitrary.
But base 2 represents the fundamental counting system, and as such is
is unique.
The place value system itself is a design artifact. Also, calling
something "base 2" doesn't denote a unique encoding. 1's complement?
2's complement? Gray code? BCD?
The initiation into the secret society of computer scientists includes
a requirement for mastery of binary notation. This is similar to ham
operators having to master Morse code. (I believe this requirement
has been relaxed.) Everyday citizens don't know Morse - and they
aren't fluent in binary arithmetic.
Decimal and sexagesimal notation persist because over centuries and
millennia lay people have demonstrated the ability to reach a minimal
level of competency. Which is to say that, for whatever reason, they
are better tailored to our purposes.
Rob
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