Building structure-oriented numerical factual databases: The Beilstein example

Abstract

The generation of one of the world's largest organic chemical databases, the Beilstein Database, is described. This project started in October 1983 and will result in a first online version by late 1987. The contents of the database and its data structure are based on the Beilstein Handbook which so far has been published in over 300 volumes. The data structure consists of more than 400 numerical factual fields making the database numerically searchable. The database will not only contain the handbook data but also portions of the abstracts of the fifth supplementary series which will not be published in the handbook in the near future. The new Beilstein abstracting system for paperless, decentralized abstracting of factual numerical data from the primary literature on microcomputers is also discussed. The database will be accessible via major online hosts. Inhouse versions and selected portions on CD-ROMS are also planned.