NAME Chemistry::Elements - Perl extension for working the Chemical Elements SYNOPSIS use Chemistry::Elements qw(get_name get_Z get_symbol); # the constructor can use different input $element = new Chemistry::Elements $atomic_number; $element = new Chemistry::Elements $chemical_symbol; $element = new Chemistry::Elements $element_name; # you can make up your own attributes by specifying # a method (which is really AUTOLOAD) $element->molar_mass(22.989) #sets the attribute $MM = $element->molar_mass #retrieves the value # a short demonstartion script, chart_test, is included # with the distribution. DESCRIPTION There are two parts to the module: the object stuff and the exportable functions for use outside of the object stuff. The exportable functions are discussed in EXPORTABLE FUNCTIONS. Chemistry::Elements provides an easy, object-oriented way to keep track of your chemical data. Using either the atomic number, chemical symbol, or element name you can construct an Element object. Once you have an element object, you can associate your data with the object by making up your own methods, which the AUTOLOAD function handles. Since each chemist is likely to want to use his or her own data, or data for some unforesee-able property, this module does not try to be a repository for chemical data. EXPORTABLE FUNCTIONS These functions can be exported. They are not exported by default. get_symbol() This function attempts to return the symbol of the chemical element given either the chemical symbol, element name, or atmoic number. The function does its best to interpret inconsistent input data (e.g. chemcial names of mixed and single case). get_name() This function attempts to return the name the chemical element given either the chemical symbol, element name, or atomic number. The function does its best to interpret inconsistent input data (e.g. chemcial symbols of mixed and single case). get_Z() This function attempts to return the atomic number of the chemical element given either the chemical symbol, element name, or atomic number. The function does its best to interpret inconsistent input data (e.g. chemcial symbols of mixed and single case). AUTHOR brian d foy