Creating scientific formulae using standard word processors is easy

The author describes a method for entering scientific formulae into text using standard word processors. The described technique places a grid matrix on the screen into which the terms of the the equation may be conveniently placed. The technique relies on the use of half line spacing, and nonprintable `keying´ characters. The printed results are as good as those that can be obtained by using a dedicated scientific word processor, except for a more limited range of scientific characters. Many word processors, however, allow special characters to be created from graphics symbols