CHOICE OF SCHEME FOR CLASSIFICATION - Indian Statistical ...

System incapable of this takes away considerably from the usefulness of a Scheme for
Classification.
3.8.4 Starvation System
In the so-called 'Starvation System' of UDC, the Notational Plane often disobeys
the Idea Plane. By "Starvation System" is meant " The signification of an existing
number is fundamentally altered. If a new concept or a new scheme of division has to be
introduced, it should get its place in a "blank" place and get a number or series of
numbers which have never been used before. The old obsolete number or numbers are
then left to starvation for a certain period, say ten years, so that the old users gradually
can adapt their files to the new structure of the classification.
"So the procedure is as follows:
1 Old scheme (old numbering) declared obsolete and abandoned.
2 The old numbers may not be used again during 10 years (exceptionally a shorter
a period may be fixed).
3 A new free number is chosen where a new logical or quasi logical, at least
modern scheme is developed." (12) This amounts to the Notational Plane deciding all by
itself and in its own way, the position of a new subject among the already existing
subjects. In other words, the Notational Plane dictates to the Idea Plane. This is like the
tail wagging the dog. This should not be allowed in any helpful Scheme for Classification.
3.8.5 Rama-Lakshmana Analogy
In the epic Ramayana, the hero Rama is in exile along with his concert Sita and his
brother Lakshmana. On reaching Panchavati on the banks of the Godavari at a place near
modern Nasik, they decide to settle down there for some time. Rama asks Lakshmana,
"Will you find out a good place where we can put up a hut ?" Lakshmana replies, "You
are the master. I am the servant. Finding the place is your function. Building the hut so as
to fit in with that place is my business" (79). This points to a moral in classification. The
Notational Plane should not find a place for the subject. Its business is merely to build
the Class Number, so as to fit in the place found for it by the Idea Plane.
3.8.6 Desiderata in the Notational System
3.8.6.1 Number of Class Numbers
The Universe of Subjects is vast. It is evergrowing. Its present rate of growth is
high. Perhaps it will become higher still as time passes on. Implication: The Notational
System should provide an ever-increasing number of Class Numbers. It should not force
us to give the same number to two different classes, whether they are coordinate with
each other or one is subordinate to the other. This is another way of looking at the
concept of "Co-extensive Class Number". Examples of one and the same Class Number,