Introduction

ALGOL is a programming language which has been designed to meet the needs of the mathematical user of a computer. As implied by its name, derived from ALGOrithmic Language, ALGOL may be used conveniently to describe the procedure to be followed for a numerical calculation. The language incorporates ordinary English words and conventional mathematical symbols which enable an Algol program to be easily comprehended. By publishing Algol programs and procedures widely throughout the computer world, it becomes possible for the work of experts to be available to anyone conversant with the language.