ROMAN
                           Version 1.0

                          Gene Pizzetta
                          June 1, 1991


ROMAN is a ZCPR3 utility that converts between decimal numbers 
and Roman numerals.  It works either from the command line or in 
interactive mode.  It will convert either way:  from decimal to 
Roman, or from Roman to decimal.  No instructions are really 
necessary, so why is this DOC file included?

The standard COM file version should run just fine under vanilla 
CP/M.  Type-3 and type-4 versions are also included.  Is this 
overkill or not?

USAGE:

     ROMAN {number}

The number can be either decimal from 1 to 3999 or Roman from I 
to MMMCMXCIX.  If no number is given on the command line, ROMAN 
enters interactive mode and prompts for one.  Interactive mode 
can be exited with a ^C.  If that fails, try turning off your 
computer.

Roman numerals recognized are:
     I    =    1
     V    =    5
     X    =    10
     L    =    50
     C    =    100
     D    =    500
     M    =    1000
Roman numerals above 1000 are not available in the ASCII 
character set, which is the reason for the limitation.

ROMAN does not try to compensate for all forms of ignorance.  It 
will, for instance, accept Roman numerals that are not really 
correct.  As an example, "MCMC" will yield a result of 2000, 
which should actually be written "MM".  However, attempts at two 
successive subtractions are detected, so that "XIIX" will yield 
an "Invalid Roman numeral!" message, instead of 18.  Illegal 
characters and numbers that are too large are also detected.

HISTORY:  The original code for ROMAN version 0.2, some of which 
barely survives here, is copyright (c) 1978 M. Pedder.

Version 1.0 -- June 1, 1991 -- Gene Pizzetta
     Added ability to convert from Roman numerals to decimal.  
     Standard COM file now runs under vanilla CP/M.

Version 0.4 -- May 31, 1991 -- Gene Pizzetta
     Several code changes, but no new features.  No longer sends 
     control characters to the screen.  Converted to Zilog 
     mnemonics.  Added type-4 version.  Not released.

Version 0.3a -- April 7, 1990 -- Gene Pizzetta
     Fixed minor bug, discovered by Howard Goldstein, that caused 
     strange behavior if a character less than '0' was entered.

Version 0.3 -- April 1, 1990 -- Gene Pizzetta
     Converted to ZCPR3 utility.  Extensively modified screen 
     displays.  Added command line mode and usage message.

Version 0.2a -- February 13, 1983 -- D. McLanahan, Marlow, NH
     Modified for CP/M.

Version 0.2 -- October 10, 1978 -- M. Pedder
     Converts decimal numbers to Roman numerals.  From SIG/M disk 
     volume 75.

Comments, suggestions, and bug reports are welcome and 
encouraged, but keep the wisecracks to yourself.  In addition, I 
cannot promise timely releases of new versions.  After all, it's 
been over a year since the last one.

     Gene Pizzetta
     481 Revere St.
     Revere, MA 02151

     Voice:  (617) 284-0891
     Newton Centre Z-Node:  (617) 965-7259
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