*** THE REAL BUFFER ***

          by Röbbe Wünschiers; rw@biowasserstoff.de ; version 010218


*** Introduction ***
Buffers are intensively used in Chemistry, Biochemistry and molecular biology
to maintain a preset pH value in a aqueous solution. Yet, the buffer 
properties are influenced by not only by the buffer substance but as well
by the temperature, the ionic strength of the solution and other parameters.
THE REAL BUFFER takes this into consideration and calculates the amount of
buffer substance to use and how to titrate. It uses a database containing
the most common buffer substances used, and which can be altered by the user.


*** Installation ***
The programs comes zipped with five files. The file you just read (readme.
txt) needs not to be on the Psion. Copy the four program files in the
directory C:\system\apps\therealbuffer\ Be careful to copy only the files
to your Psion 5mx (do not convert them), as they are already in the Psion
5mx native format. The program icon should then appear in the extras menu.
If your Psion uses a comma ',' to separate decimals as in 3,14 then you have
to switch your decimal separator to  a dot instead. You do that by entering
the system screen and choose international settings/numbers.


*** How to use ***
The program is still damn simple. You will first be asked if you like to get
a list of buffer names of pKa's. The latter should be your choice if you like
to have a specific pH since the program only allows pH's +/- 1 pKa.
In the next screen you enter buffer parameters as volume, concentration, pH,
temperature you make the buffer at, temperature you use the buffer at, and
you choose the buffer or pKa (according to your previous selection).
In the following window you will be asked if you like to set a ionic strength
and, if so, with which salt.
Finally you get the desired results... The thermodynamic pKa corresponds to
the value ignoring temperature and ionic strength effects, whereas the
apparent pKa reflects the changes due to those effects.


*** Note ***
I would very much like to release a big lab package. That has basically two
implications for you. First, you might find updates with more features, and
second you are asked to join the project! Contact me and visit my web page.

The program was only tested on a Psion 5mx Pro. I would be glad to get infos
whether it works on other machines as well!


*** Terms of usage ***
Feel free to use and distribute the program when you agree to:

*****************************************************************************
** not to sell it             * tell me about your changes in the database **
** keep the package together  * tell me were you place it for download     **
*****************************************************************************

I would be glad to receive new database entries. Your name will be mentioned!
Ask me if you like to receive the source code.

Any comments are welcome! I do not take any responsibility for the results of
using the program, neither physically, nor mentally (just imagine you perform
the 10.000$ experiment and it fails do to the buffer - in the end it might
turn out that you read Fahrenheit instead of Celsius - that's your baby).

New versions or data can be found at http://members.tripod.de/roebbe/