How to make and use a database with dBASE III PLUS

As an illustration, we will construct a database about atomic absorption using dBASE III PLUS. There are many database programs available for microcomputers, but the most popular are certainly dBASE II and the more recent dBASE III PLUS and dBASE IV versions. All are products from Ashton Tate (ref. 1). The data we want to bring into a table are the recommended data for graphite furnace analysis from the Perkin-Elmer manual (ref. 2). Table 2.1 shows the data for one element as they are present in the manual. 

It is the purpose to put the data for all the elements in the manual in a computerized database so that one can retrieve information from them in a simple manner. In what follows we will try to give an idea of how one constructs such a database, without giving complete instructions on how exactly to proceed, nor will we discuss all the possibilities of dBASE III PLUS. For such details we refer to the manual. 

2 An electrodeless discharge lamp is available for this element. 3 Alternatively, a matrix modifier consisting of 1 % HNO3 may be useful.  

The first operation is to decide on the format the data will take in the database. Different formats are possible. They are  

The first decision to make when preparing a database is to select the information which will be entered. In our case it is quite clear that we should enter the name of the element, wavelength, slit, tube and site (as separate variables), matrix modifier, pretreatment (ashing) and atomization temperature, characteristic mass, diluent, availability of an EDL lamp. We can also add one or two columns for additional comments what would allow us to enter the remark 3 from Comments shown in Table 2.1. 

---