Algebraic characterization of skeletal branching

Abstract An algebraic characterization of branching of skeletal forms is proposed which is based on the concept of the comparability of functions as defined by Muirhead. The approach allows a rigorous definition of the concept of branching and suggests that structures having an identical distribution of valencies should not be discriminated. In addition situations arise when skeletal forms having a different valency configuration cannot be compared. It is discussed how this helps in clarifying ambiguities concerning branching.