The notation system to which Mr. Cutter gave his recommendation,
obviously, is flexible in a high degree. At first blush, indeed, it may ap-
pear forbiddingly flexible. However, the number of possible permutations
and combinations does not really determine the degree of ease or difficulty
of operating a particular classification scheme. No complex system, even
the human body, is often strained to the utmost.
The sequence of notation elements, however, has a practical signifi-
cance inasmuch as it controls the arrangement of cataloged material on
the library shelves. Accordingly, some attention must be given the prob-
lem — and perhaps the simplest manner of offering a solution is to suggest
the sequence of notation elements which after considerable experiment and
contemplation has been adopted by the Baker Library.