MR: How to use the MSC

The main purpose of the classification of items in the mathematical literature using the Mathematics Subject Classification scheme is to help users find the items of present or potential interest
to them as readily as possible---in products derived from the Mathematical Reviews Database (MRDB), in Zentralblatt MATH, or anywhere else where this classification scheme is used. An
item in the mathematical literature should be classified so as to attract the attention of all those possibly interested in it. The item may be something which falls squarely within one clear area
of the MSC, or it may involve several areas. Ideally, the MSC codes attached to an item should represent the subjects to which the item contains a contribution. The classification should serve
both those closely concerned with specific subject areas, and those familiar enough with subjects to apply their results and methods elsewhere, inside or outside of mathematics. It will be
extremely useful for both users and classifiers to familiarize themselves with the entire classification system and thus to become aware of all the classifications of possible interest to them.



Every item in the MRDB receives precisely one primary  classification, which is simply the MSC code that describes its principal contribution. When an item contains several principal
contributions to different areas, the primary classification should cover the most important among them. A paper or book may be assigned one or several secondary classification numbers to
cover any remaining principal contributions, ancillary results, motivation or origin of the matters discussed, intended or potential field of application, or other significant aspects worthy of
notice.



The principal contribution is meant to be the one including the most important part of the work actually done in the item. For example, a paper whose main overall content is the solution of a
problem in graph theory, which arose in computer science and whose solution is (perhaps) at present only of interest to computer scientists, would have a primary classification in 05C (Graph
Theory) with one or more secondary classifications in 68 (Computer Science); conversely, a paper whose overall content lies mainly in computer science should receive a primary
classification in 68, even if it makes heavy use of graph theory and proves several new graph-theoretic results along the way.



There are two types of cross-references given at the end of many of the entries in the MSC. The first type is in braces: ``{For A, see X}''; if this appears in section Y, it means that
contributions described by A should usually be assigned the classification code X, not Y. The other type of cross-reference merely points out related classifications; it is in brackets:
``[See also ...]'', ``[See
mainly ...]'', etc., and the classification codes listed in the brackets may, but need not, be included in the classification codes of a paper, or they may be used in place of the classification
where the cross-reference is given. The classifier must judge which classification is the most appropriate for the paper at hand.