Although there have been many experimental and theoretical efforts to measure
and interpret small deviations from the standard model of particle physics, the
gap that the model leaves in understanding why there are only three generations
of elementary fermions, with hierarchical masses, has not received the
attention it deserves. I present here an attempt to fill this gap. Although our
findings are mostly only qualitative, they nevertheless may be of heuristic
value. Rules concerning the elementary fermions, some previously known and some
new, lead to a number of conclusions and questions that seem worth pursuing.
Some clarify the standard model, and others suggest possible modifications, the
implications of which are discussed.Comment: 8 page