rsalz@bbn.com (Rich Salz) (10/23/89)
>Is the 4.3 BSD math library freely redistributable? I've seen it on some >comp.sources.unix archive sites, but others don't have it or have the >legend "NOT AVAILABLE" in the index. NO! The bulk of the library was written by people at UCB -- all but three functions. Unfortunately, the UCB authors were NOT McKusicK, Bostic, and the usual crew. Among other things, this meant they were much less careful about copyrights, code licensing, and so on, so they just slapped THEIR copyright on all the code, and turned it over for release. As I result, the person who submitted it to me was led astray, so was I, and so were some archivers. There have been a couple of posts that have since explained the situation. We would all appreciate it if you would forward this message on to any archive maintainers where you see the 4.3 mathlib. At some point there MAY be a reimplementation and a distribution, but not yet. Thanks for your cooperation. /Rich $alz, comp.sources.unix moderator -- Please send comp.sources.unix-related mail to rsalz@uunet.uu.net. Use a domain-based address or give alternate paths, or you may lose out.
root@cca.ucsf.edu (Systems Staff) (10/24/89)
In article <2050@prune.bbn.com>, rsalz@bbn.com (Rich Salz) writes: > >Is the 4.3 BSD math library freely redistributable? I've seen it on some > >comp.sources.unix archive sites, but others don't have it or have the > >legend "NOT AVAILABLE" in the index. > > NO! > > The bulk of the library was written by people at UCB -- all but three > functions. Unfortunately, the UCB authors were NOT McKusicK, Bostic, > and the usual crew. Among other things, this meant they were much > less careful about copyrights, code licensing, and so on, so they just > slapped THEIR copyright on all the code, and turned it over for release. Not quite that gross ... The original plan seems to have been to write a complete replacement library and the documentation (manual) was written reflecting this but the project didn't get completed and a few AT&T functions were left in. But the manual didn't get changed. The manual announcement stated that the math library was freely distributable and nothing indicated to the contrary. Unfortunately, the AT&T code which formed the basis for the BSD development was distributed under trade secret restrictions and so didn't have any copyright notices. Thus the precautionary check for AT&T copyright notices didn't show any restriction so out it all went as authorized by the printed documentation. > As I result, the person who submitted it to me was led astray, so was I, ^--------^ yours truly, in case you hadn't figured it out > ... > At some point there MAY be a reimplementation and a distribution, but > not yet. I still have hopes. Thos Sumner Internet: thos@cca.ucsf.edu (The I.G.) UUCP: ...ucbvax!ucsfcgl!cca.ucsf!thos BITNET: thos@ucsfcca U.S. Mail: Thos Sumner, Computer Center, Rm U-76, UCSF San Francisco, CA 94143-0704 USA I hear nothing in life is certain but death and taxes -- and they're working on death. #include <disclaimer.std>