Genetic Algorithms Digest    Monday, 28 October 1985    Volume 1 : Issue 1

 - Send submissions to GA-List@NRL-AIC.ARPA
 - Send administrative requests to GA-List-Request@NRL-AIC.ARPA

Today's Topics:

	Statement of purpose, goals, etc.
	Local Mailer Problems
	GAs in Scientific American
	Priming the Pump

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Date:  Friday 11 Oct 85
From:  GA-List Moderator
Subject: Statement of purpose, goals, etc.

It is customary to start out a new list with some indication of its
purpose in life.  Having volunteered to moderate this one, I'll make
an initial attempt at such a statement.  However, in keeping with the
spirit of the subject matter, I hope to keep the list flexible and
responsive to the needs and interests of the membership.

The initial motivation for GA-List (and choice of name) came from the
rapidly growing interest in genetic algorithms as developed by John Holland
and described in his book, Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems.
Hence, a primary goal of this list is to provide a timely forum for
discussion of both theoretical and practical issues relating to the
design, analysis, and use of genetic algorithms.

There is also considerable interest within the GA community in machine
learning in general and, in particular, the use of genetic algorithms
and classifier systems as alternatives to more conventional approaches
to machine learning.  Hence, discussions in these areas are encouraged
as well as related areas such as the "message-passing semantics" work
of Hewitt, et al.

In addition, there is a general interest in other algorithms which are
derived from or motivated by physical and/or biological processes.  In
particular, the developments in the "connectionist machine" community
are of interest and submissions encouraged.

Finally, in addition to submissions in natural language, I want to encourage
software submissions in all of the areas of interest.  There are already
a considerable number of implementations of GAs and classifier systems
in a variety of languages which can be of use if accessible.  Given
sufficient interest, an FTP-able library can be maintained at nrl-aic.

So, now the ball is in your court.  Mailing lists are only as interesting
and provocative as their members.  Let's begin!!

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Date:  Friday 18 Oct 85
From:  GA-List Moderator
Subject: Local Mailer Problems

We are experiencing some local mailer problems when sending out mail
using the the new domain-style addresses (like ...EDU).  As a temporary
fix, we have reverted to the older style on outbound mail.

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Date:  Friday 25 Oct 85
From:  GA-List Moderator
Subject: GAs in Scientific American

As indicated by Holland at the July conference, A. K. Dewdney has
devoted his "Computer Recreations" column in the November issue of
Scientific American to GAs.  I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
I hope it is well done and generates some interest.  I'll be interested
in your comments.

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Date:  Monday 28 Oct 85
From:  GA-List Moderator
Subject: Priming the Pump

I'm not sure if we have a chicken-before-the-egg problem here or not.
There is a steady stream of requests from new members, but no list
activity other than my own.  I've been holding off sending out this
issue because of mailer problems and in anticipation of including
some material from you.  I've decided to take the initiative
and send what I have in an attempt to "prime the pump"!  Now it's
your turn!

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End of Genetic Algorithms Digest
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