Study of Selected Schemes of

Classification

UNIT 14 DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF COLON

CLASSIFICATION
Structure
14.0

Objectives

14.1

Introduction

14.2

Colon Classification Version 1: A Non-Theory - Based Version

14.3

Colon Classification Version 2: A Theory - Based Version

14.4

14.3.1

Edition 4

14.3.2

Edition 5

14.3.3

Edition 6

Colon Classification Version 3

14.4.1

New Results in Theory

14.5

Changes Made in CC Edition 7

14.6

Summary

14.7

Answers to Self Check Exercises

14.8

References and Further Reading

14.0 OBJECTIVES
This Unit introduces you to the theoretical background to the design and
development of Colon Classification.
After reading this Unit, you will he able to:

get a clear grasp of the theory that has guided the development of Colon
Classification from a Rigidly Faceted Scheme to a Freely Faceted Scheme of
Classification;

get a familiarity with the features of the three versions of CC; and

recognise the changes made in CC Edition 7.

14.1 INTRODUCTION
In any sphere of life, practice precedes theory. So it has been with classification:
Within fifty years after the design of the Dewey Decimal Classification, Richardson
and Sayers made comparative studies of the then known schemes for classification
and evolved a Theory of Classification which was largely a "descriptive formulation"
and "interpretative explanation". It was static and not dynamic. After 1949,
Ranganathan formulated a Dynamic Theory of Classification which guided the
development of Colon Classification Version 2 (Edition 4, 1952) to reprint of Edition
6 with Annexure (1963) and subsequently Colon Classification Version 3 (Edition 7,
1987). CC Version 2 has been described by Ranganathan as an "Almost Freely
Faceted Scheme" because it removed the "Rigidly Faceted nature exhibited by CC
Version 1 (Editions 1 to 3). This was possible by the use of different Indicator Digits
for diverse kind of facets and the concept of Rounds and Levels removed the severe
rigidity in the numbers and sequence of facets that can occur in a Compound Subject.
However, some rigidity lurked in respect of Levels of Facet within a Round. It is on
account of this that it was not Freely Faceted in full measure.

70

At this juncture, it may he mentioned that all the editions of Colon Classification are
fully analytico-synthetic in nature. The term "Analytico-Synthetic Scheme" is a
generic term to denote any scheme in which a Compound Subject is first analysed
into its facets in the Idea Plane and later synthesised in the Verbal Plane and in the
Notational Plane respectively. Hence by implication it would mean that all faceted
schemes are analytico-synthetic.

14.2 COLON CLASSIFICATION VERSION 1: A NON

THEORY-BASED VERSION

Different Versions of Colon

Classification

In order to meet the new demands of the Universe of Subjects, the design of Colon
Classification Version 1 was begun in 1924 and its First Edition was published in
1933. By about that time, the state of the Universe of Subjects began to present many
more proliferations thrown forth practically at the end of each isolate facet and of
even the Basic Facet of Compound Subject. These proliferations had attracted
sufficient literary warrant by 1924.
This factor necessitated the total abandoning of the enumeration of Compound
Subjects. Therefore, Colon Classification gave only short schedules of Basic
Subjects, and of different Common Isolates-namely, Time, Space, Language, and
Anteriorising ones; and in addition, a few short schedules of Special Isolates for use
in Compound Subjects going with the respective Basic Subjects. An implication of
this was that Class Numbers were given only for Basic Subjects and not for
Compound Subjects. The construction of the Class Number for each Compound
Subject had to be done by the classifier in accordance with prescribed Rules. This
was a sharp departure from what was in vogue in the earlier schemes. It was this new
feature that led H.E. Bliss to describe Colon Classification as "Synthetic
Classification". This is so far as the Idea Plane goes.
In the Notational Plane, Colon Classification Version 1 used the digit " : " (Colon) as
an Indicator Digit for every kind of isolate facet.
The design of Colon Classification Version 1 was not based on any objectively
formulated Theory of Classification, though some sort of theory might have guided
the design from the subconscious levels.
Colon Classification Version '(Ed 1 to Ed 3) worked fairly satisfactorily for about one
generation - that is, till about 1950. By that time, it was vaguely felt that an ad hoc
scheme not based on a sound Theory of Classification could not keep step with the
changes in the Universe of Subjects. It was realised that a scheme for classification
should be based on a sound Dynamic Theory. The theory has to be dynamic if it is to
keep up with the increasing changes and proliferations in the Universe of Subjects.'
(Note : A brief description of Editions 1 to 3 is` given in Unit 13 of this Block)

Self Check Exercise

1)

Describe briefly the features of Colon Classification Version Note.

Note:

(i) Write your answer in the space given below.

(ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.

.......................................................................................

14.3 COLON CLASSIFICATION VERSION 2: THEORYBASED VERSION

One of the basic contributions of this .Dynamic Theory which guided CC Version 2
was the separation of the work of classification in the Idea, Verbal, and Notational
Planes respectively. Before this was done, lack of capacity in the Notational Plane
inhibited free work in the Idea Plane.
Not only was the Notational Plane cultivated. On the other hand, there was reluctance
to cultivate it. Indeed, there was even opposition to the attention being paid to it.
The use of popular terms with all their homonyms and synonyms in the Verbal Plane
caused confusion in the Idea Plane.

71

Study of Selected Schemes of

Classification

The separation of the work in the three planes, laid bare the paramountcy of the work
in the Idea Plane and the need to allow it to develop unhindered on its own right. It
also emphasised that the versatility of the Notational Plane should be progressively
increased in order to enable it to implement every finding in the Idea Plane.
The need for developing homonym-free, synonym-free technical terminology for
each discipline was realised. It does not matter, however, if one and the same
technical term is used in different disciplines to denote different ideas, though the
ideal would be to remove such homonyms also.
The improvement of the versatility of the Notational Plane falls entirely within the
province of the library profession. But, the improvement of the Verbal Plane needs
cooperation with subject specialists and linguists. Work in this matter would be
necessarily slow. Till satisfactory result is achieved, the Canon of Context and the
Canon of Enumeration are pressed into service to remove the edge from the fault of
homonym.
Colon Classification Version 2 improved on Version 1 by basing itself on the Theory
of' Classification developed from 1950 to 1963. Version 2 was first published as
edition 4 in 1952. Some further improvements were successively made in the light of
the further findings of the theory. The last edition of Version 2 appeared in 1963 as
Colon Classification edition 6, reprinted with Annexure. One essential new feature of
this version is that it implemented the Postulates of five fundamental categories of
Rounds and of Levels, formulated in the Idea Plane. To implement this in the
Notational Plane, five different Indicator Digits were used in the place of the single
Indicator Digit used in Version 1. A different Indicator Digit now corresponds
respectively to each of the five Fundamental Categories: Personality [P], Matter EMI,
Energy [El, Space [S], Time M PMEST in short.
Another essential new feature is the acceptance, in the Idea Plane, of the interpolation
of new Main Subjects and new Partial Comprehensions in the array of Main Subjects.
To implement the, in the Notational Plane, Greek letters were used provisionally upto
edition 6 (1960), as the work in the Notational' Plane could not be continued
sufficiently on account of more urgent work.
Colon Classification Version 2 continued to give fairly satisfactory service only for
,about fourteen years.

Self Cheek Exercise

2)

What are the essential new features of Colon Classification Version 2?

Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below

ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.

...
14.3.1 Edition 4
This edition was radically different from the previous editions. Each Fundamental
Category, excluding space and time, has been assigned with distinct connecting
symbols as shown below:
Table: Fundamental Categories and Connecting Symbols

72

Fundamental Category
Personality
Matter
Energy
Space
Time

Connecting symbol
,(Comma)
;(Semi-colon)
:(Colon)
.(dot)
.(dot)

In addition to the above connecting symbols , a number of Greek alphabets , such as:

(Beta) for Mathematical sciences

y
v

(Gama) for Physical science

(Eath) for Mining

(Lambda) for Animal Husbandry

(Mu) for Humanities and social science

(Nu) for Humanities and

(Sigma) for Social Science

(Delta) for Spiritual Experience and Mysticism

Different Versions of Colon

Classification

This edition introduced the concept of Rounds and Levels (See Sec 7.4.1 of Unit 7
Block 3 of BLIS-03)

14.3.2 Edition 5
Continued research in the Theory of Classification led to the publication of Edition 5
in 1957. The following substantial changes were introduced in this edition:
1)

As the constituent states in India were reorganised, a brief alternative schedule

of divisions was given in chapter 4 of the schedules. The new brief schedule was
given at the end of the old one.

2)

A new schedule giving details for Phase and Intra-face (relations was given as
Chapter 7. The concept of intra-facet relations provided some economy in the
length of certain kinds of Class Numbers.

3)

The Canonical Divisions of N Fine Arts were revised. Capitals were used to
denote them in place of numerals.

4)

The schedules for Management and Labour in Economics were revised.

5)

Some substantial additions were made in the schedules for Z Law.

6)

Details in the schedule for J Agriculture" were omitted.

7)

Canons for Classification were listed on pages 1.7-1.18.

8)

A new Main Class for Mining was including using a Greek letter V (etah).

14.3.3 Edition 6
The sixth edition published in 1960 did not have many additions. The changes made
are given below:
i)

Effort was made to avoid Greek letters with a few .exceptions: In the context of
Main Classes, they were replaced by introducing the concept of Empty
Emptying and Empty-Emptying digits

ii)

In the reprinted schedule (1963), the connecting symbol dot (.) for the Time
facet was replaced by single inverted comma (`).

iii) Second level space [S2] isolates and lime [T2] isolates have been introduced.
iv) It also incorporated substantial changes in Education, Nuclear Physics and
Nuclear Engineering schedules.
v)

The rules part of the scheme was reorganised and partly rewritten.

vi) The schedule for Book Number is the very first schedule in Part 2 of the scheme.
vii) Certain other changes brought out in CC edition 6 were reported in the
Annexure of reprints (1961, 1969, 1970). Noteworthy among these are changing
of octave to sector.
Self Check Exercise
3)

Briefly enumerate the changes made in CC Edition 6

73

Study of Selected Schemes of

Classification

Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below

ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.

...

14.4 COLON CLASSIFICATION VERSION 3

While CC Version I was fairly satisfactory for about 25 years; the period was
reduced to nearly ' a half in the case of CC Version 2 in spite of it being theory-based.
This phenomenon was traceable to a new trend in the Universe of Subjects. Subjects
of the status of article-level began to migrate into that of book-level, at a greater rate
than before 1950.
The frequent migration of subjects from article level to book level indicated that a
deeper and more Dynamic Theory of Classification was needed to meet the
recurrence of such migrations at increasingly shorter intervals. This, in its turn,
indicated that even book classification should follow the deeper and more Dynamic
Theory found necessary for article classification - that is, Depth Classification.

14.4.1 New Results in Theory

1)

Recognition that property Isolate should be deemed to be manifestation of

Matter. Thus , manifestations of the Matter were called Matter- property[MP]
Isolates, in order to distinguish them from Matter Material[MMt] Isolates.
The implementation of this concept in the Idea Plane disclosed that some of the
isolates forcedly include in the earlier years in the Problem Schedules. But
later named as Energy Schedules , were in reality[MP] isolates.

2)

To implement this finding , in the Notational Plane, the Indicator Digits for such
isolates had to be changed from .(Colon) to ;(semi-colon).

3)

The prescription that the Indicator Digit ,(Comma) need not be inserted before
the first (P) isolate Number coming after a Basic Class Number or an [E] Isolate
Number was found to be false economy; and it had to be given up.

4)

The capacity of an array in the Notational Plane was increased by divesting

Roman small letters of anteriorising quality and by restoring to digit "0" (Zero),
its natural ordinal value anteriorising lying between the digits "z" and "I"

5)

To make interpolation possible at any point in the array of Main Subject and in
any other array, the digits T to Z were postulated to be either Emptying, EmptyEmptying or Empty digits. This eliminated the use of Greek letters.

6)

It was found convenient to denote a facet made of super-imposition of isolates

by the term "Compound Facet". The possibility of combining three or more
component sub-facets into a single Compound Facet was found to be necessary
not only in Isolate Facet but also in Basic Facets.

7)

The theory in the Idea Plane formulated 18 principles to get helpful sequence of
isolates and also the powerful Wall-Picture Principle for helpful sequence of
facets and of isolates.

8)

Necessary improvements were made in the Theory of Notational Plane in order

to implement the findings bf the Idea Plane. One of the resulting advantages in
the provision for increase is the number of sectors in an Array. The Mnemonic
Device in the Notational Plane has - also been improved considerably.

14.5 CHANGES MADE IN CC EDITION 7

74

In the light of the new results in theory discussed in Section 14.4, certain changes have
occurred in CC Edition 7 (1987). In this section, some of the changes are highlighted.

a) The number of Main Subjects/Basic Subjects has been increased in edition 7.

This has been done in several ways:

Different Versions of Colon

Classification

i)

Some old Main Subjects and some new Main Subjects have been divided
into canonical divisions, e.g., 3 Book Science, 9 Research Technique.
ii) In some subjects, [1PI] isolates have been treated as canonical divisions,
e.g., Engineering, Technology, Geography, Economics.
iii) In "X Economics", some of the [E] isolates have been changed into
canonical divisions.
iv) A new kind of formation of subjects - - agglomeration (Subject Bundles) - has been added as Canonical Division.
v) Systems have been changed into Basic Subjects.
vi) Specials have been changed into Basic Subjects.
vii) Environmented Device has been provided to indicate environment
treatment of a Basic Subject, as a kind of specials.
viii) Compound Basic Subjects - - using the System part, Specials part, and
Canonical Division part as its components.
b) The indicator Digit " (double inverted comma) is used to indicate an
"Anteriorsing Isolate", instead of Roman small letters as was done in edition 6.
c) Edition 7 includes Common Fundamental Category Isolates - - for [E], [MIT and [P].
d) New indicator digit "&" (ampersand) is used in place of old indicator digit "0"
(zero) for Phase Relation.
e) Change of some [E] isolates into [MP] isolates, e.g., B23 Theory of Equation, C7
Magnetism, J Agriculture, IX Forestry, KX Animal Husbandry, etc. (All [E] Isolates).
f) Change of [E] cum [2P] isolates into MP Isolates, e.g., 2 Library Science, C3
Sound, G Biology, L Medicine, P Linguistics, Y Sociology, etc.
g) Change of [2E] isolates into [1E] Isolates, e.g., J Agriculture.
h) Breaking of [2E] cum [3P] Isolates into [E] Isolates and [2P] Isolates (Currently
[P] isolates are treated as spectators).
i) Change of Facet Structure - - a facet formula is in a sense meaningless; it is an
anachronism.
j) Indicator Digit "," (comma) should be inserted before Level 1 of [P] facet in any
Round in any subject.
These changes would involve a little amount of correction work as far as the
documents already classified by edition 6. Perhaps the Principle of Osmosis can be
applied in the context' of reclassification.
Illustrative Examples
The following illustrative examples of changes made in CC edition 7 vis--vis edition 6.
S.L Changes made
CC Edition 6
CC Edition 7
a) Increase in number of
MC/BS
3 Book Science
(i) Old Main subjects and 3 Book Science
9 Research Technique
31 authorial method
some new Main
3V Reading method
subjects have been
9f Research methodology
divided into canonical
9f1 Survey methodology
divisions
9f8 Planning methodology
BT Statistics
(ii) [1P1] isolates have
B28 Statistical calculus
D1 Civil engineering
been treated as
D1 Civil engineering [P]
D2 Building engineering
canonical divisions. D3 Building[P]
G-9 Up Marine biology
G9555 Marine biology[P]
U1 Mathematical geography[P] U1 Mathematical
geography
U2 physical geography[P]
U2 physical geography
(iii) Some of E isolates X:2 Consumption
into canonical
X:3 Distribution
divisions.

X2 Consumption
X3 Distribution

75

Study of Selected Schemes of

Classification

iv)

v)

vi)

New kind of formation of subject...

Agglomeration (subject bundles)...
has been added as a canonical
division.
Systems have been
JB Forestry
changed into (BS)
LB Ayurreda
LC Homeopathy
SM Experimental
Psychology
SN3 Field Psychology
XN Communism
XN19 Technocracy
Specials have been
J9D Dry farming
changed into (BS)
L9C Child medicine

vii)

IX Forestry
L-B Ayurveda
L-C Homeopathy
S-M Experimental
Psychology
S-N3 Field Psychology
Communism
X-N19 Technocracy
J-9B Dry farming
L-9C Child medicine

Environmental device has been

provided to indicate environment
treatment of a (BS), as a kind of
special.
viii) Compound BS-Using the System
part, Specials part and Canonical
division part as its components.

L9V War medicine

L-9V War medicine

LB,9C Ayurvedic child

medicine

L-B-9C Ayurvedic child

medicine

b)

Indicator digit-"- (Double inverted

comma) is used to indicate an
"Anteriorising Isolate" instead of
Roman Small letter.

c)

Common fundamental category

isolates for [P], [MP]
and [E]

d)

New Indiacator .digit "&"

(Ampersand) is used in place
of old indicator dight "0"
(Zero) for phase relation.

e)

Change of some [E] isolates

into [MP] isolates.
Change of [E] cum [2P] isolates
into [MP] isolates.
Change of [2E] isolates into
[1E] isolates.

A"rn56, K Philosophical
Am56, K Philosophical
Transaction, Royal Society Transaction,
Royal Society
of London
Lk
Encyclopaedia of of London
L"k
Encyclopaedia
Medicine
of Medicine
Anteriorising and
Common Anteriorising
Posteriorising Personality Isolates
Isolates
Common Matter Property
Isolates
Common Energy Isolates
General study of
General Study of
College and
College and University
University Libraries
Libraries
2,J3&jK
2330j4
Psychology for
Psychology for
Teachers
Teachers
S&bT
SObT
Statistical
Statistical analysis
analysis in library
in library management
management
2:80eB28
2:8&eBT
Quadratic equation
Quadratic equation
B23:2
B2,3:2
Human Physiology
Human Physiology
L:3
L;3
Treatment of diseases
Treatment of diseases
affecting Rice
affecting Rice
J381:4:6
7,381;4:6

f)
g)

h)

i)
76

AC Surface science
AD Soil science

Breaking of [2E] cum [3F'] isolates Drug therapy for lung

into [E] isolates and [2P-'j isolates. tuberculosis
Currently
[P] isolation gated L45:421:63
as speciatsors.
Indicator digit "," should be inserted Diagnosis of Lung cancer
before level 1 of [P] facet in any
L45:4725:3
Round in any subject.

Drug therapy for lung

tuberculosis
L,45;421:6,3 or
L,45;421:6-3
Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
L,45;4725:3

Self Check Exercise

l)

Different Versions of Colon

Classification

What are the changes made in CC Edition 7?

Note: i) Write your answer in the space given below

ii) Check your answer with the answers given at the end of this Unit.

....

14.6 SUMMARY
CC is essentially an analytico-synthetic scheme and used the two strategies of
analysis of subjects into their facets in the Idea Plane and later synthesises in the
Verbal and Notational Planes respectively. While it began as a Rigidly Faceted
Scheme in its Version 1 (CC editions I to 3) and developed into an Almost Freely
Faceted Scheme in Version 2 (CC editions 4 to 6) which evolved as a Freely Faceted
Scheme in CC ed. 7. This was largely due to continued research in the Theory of
Classification by Ranganathan and his associates.
The salient features of CC Version 1, 2 and 3 have been briefly presented in this Unit.

14.7 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES

1)

CC Version 1 (Editions 1 to 3) is a Rigidly Faceted Scheme. It gives only short

independent schedules of Basic Subjects, a few Common Isolates - Time, space,
Language, Anteriorising - and a large number of Special Isolates in association
with different Basic Subjects. It has been described as,,"Rigidly Faceted",
because the facets that should go with each Basic Subject and their sequence are
pre-determined, without reference to the various possible Compound Subjects
capable of going with that Basic Subject. This is so far as Idea Plane goes. In the
Notational Plane, it used the digit ":" (colon] as an Indicator Digit for every kind
of Isolates Facet, Thus, the design of CC Version 1 was not based on any
objectively formulated Theory of Classification.

2)

The essential new features of CC Version 2 are: a) Implementation of the

postulates of Five Fundamental Categories, of Rounds, and of Levels,
formulated in the Idea Plane. b) Acceptance in the Idea Plane, of the
interpolation of new Main Subjects and new partial comprehensions in the array
of Main Subjects.

3)

The changes made in edition 6 are:

i)

ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)

Effort was made to avoid Greek letters with a few exceptions. In the
context of Main Classes, they were replaced by introducing the concept of
Emptying and Empty-Emptying digits.
In the reprinted schedule (1963), the connecting symbol dot (.) for the Time
facet was replaced by single inverted comma (').
Second level space [S2) isolates and Time [T2] isolates have been
introduced.
It also incorporated substantial changes in Education, Nuclear Physics and
Nuclear Engineeriag schedules.
The rules part of the scheme was reorganised and partly rewritten.
The schedule for Book Number is the very first schedule in Part 2 of the
scheme.
Certain other changes brought out in CC edition 6 were reported in the
Annexure of reprints (1961, 1969, 1970): Noteworthy among these are the
changing of octave to sector.

77

Study of Selected Schemes of

Classification

4) The changes made in edition 7 are: a) The number of Main Subjects/Basic

Subjects have been increased considerably. a)

The indicator Digit " (double inverted comma) is used to indicate an

"Anteriorsing Isolate", instead of Roman small letters as was done in
edition 6.

b)

Edition 7 includes Common Fundamental Category Isolates - for [E], [MP],

and [P].

c)

New indicator digit "&" (ampersand) is used in place of old indicator digit
"0" (zero) for Phase Relation.

d)

Change of some [E] isolates into [MP] isolates, e.g., B23 Theory of
Equation, C7 Magnetism, J Agriculture, JX Forestry, KX Animal
Husbandry, etc. (All [E] Isolates)

e)

Change of [E] cum [2P] isolates into [MP] Isolates, e.g., 2 Library Science,
C3 Sound, G Biology, L Medicine, P Linguistics, Y Sociology, etc.

f)

Change of [2E] isolates into [1E] Isolates, e.g., J Agriculture.

g)

Breaking of [2E] cum [3P] Isolates into [E] Isolates and [2P] Isolates
(Currently [P] isolates are treated as spectators).

h)

Change of Facet Structure - a facet formula is in a sense meaningless; it is

an anachronism.

i)

Indicator Digit "," (comma) should be inserted before Level 1 of [P] facet
in any Round in any subject.

14.8 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Documentation Research and Training Centre. Annual Seminars. 1971-1977. Papers
and Proceedings.
Gopinath, M :A(1974). Classification Research (India) : 1968-73. FIDCR Report Series. 14.
Library. Science with a Slant to Documentation. (1973). 10,2.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1987). Colon Classification. 7`" ed. Edited by M.A. Gopinath.
Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science.
Ranganathan, S.R. (1969). Colon Classification Edition 7: A Preview. Lib. Sci. 6; Paper M.

78