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LISP Mini-manual


	LISP is a programming language for computing with symbolic
data like algebraic formulas, computer programs, formulas of mathematical
logic, and English sentences.  LISP data are %2atoms%1 and %2lists%1
built up from atoms.  ONION, A, and 17 are typical atoms, and
(A B C), and (PLUS (TIMES A B) C) are typical lists, the latter being
a list of three elements whose second element is a list of three elements
and which is the LISP way of writing the algebraic expression %2ab+c%1.
The %2null list%1 of zero elements may be written () and is the same
as the atom NIL.  Its role among lists is like that of zero among numbers.

	Programming in LISP is done by using a command called DE to %2define%1
LISP %2functions%1 and using the functions to form LISP %2expressions%1 which
LISP then %2evaluates%1 replying with the %2value%1 of the expression.
Thus we will show how to define the function ALT which when applied to
(A B C D E F) has value (A C E).  When you type (ALT (QUOTE (A B C D E F)))
to LISP, LISP will output (A C E) on your terminal provided ALT has already
been defined.