Index Guide

The Index Guide is a vital tool for accessing the General Subject Index and the Chemical Substance Index.

It provides cross references for:

The Index Guide was first published for the Eighth Collective Index (8CI).

It is not itself an index as it does not refer directly to abstract numbers. Rather, it is a tool to assist you in searching . It comprises an alphabetically ordered collection of subject terms, synonyms, acronyms, trivial and trade names, all concepts which are not used in the strictly controlled vocabulary of the indexes.

The above example illustrates scope notes, or explanatory material. (under "sulfonic acids). Under the main heading "sulfonic acids", and after the scope notes, note the "see also" references. "See also" references direct you to related subject headings. These may be narrower or broader and may help you perhaps determine a better term for your saerch

The above example illustrates see references. These direct you from subject headings not used (although recognized) to official subject subject headings.

The Index Guide provides the CA Index Name and the CAS Registry Number (the series of numbers in brackets) for the substance. The CA Index Name and the CAS Registry number are important concepts which we will discuss in more detail later.