Some remarks on a proposed taxonomy for algebraic computation

In vol. 12, no. 3, p. 25ff of this Bulletin J. H. Griesmer, R. D. Jenkins, and D. Y. Y. Yun proposed a taxonomy tree rooted at the node "Algebraic Computation" which was meant as part of a general taxonomy of Computer Science. In the accompanying text they asked for supplements and criticism. I apologize that my remarks on this proposal come so late, but I had first written directly to David Yun in November, 1978 and it was only by September, 1979 that he encouraged me to make them public in the Bulletin. I apologize further that all I can offer are in fact some remarks and not a counterproposal as carefully designed as the original one, but I think what is really needed before one can engage in a new proposal is an agreement about i) the scope of the concept "Algebraic Computation" and ii) some basic principles for its organisation into a taxonomy.