Buggeryville

Alphabetical Order

We sometimes (often) need an alphabetical order. The one currently in use only satisfies us halfway. We looked for a more rational one. We noted, in the order of their appearance, the letters of the TESTAMENT of the late Dr. I.L. Sandomir, Vice-Curator of the College [of 'Pataphysics]. Here is the alphabetical order thus determined:

P O U R Q I V T L C D E M N Y A S G H F B J X Z K W

We propose, not only to adopt it in future, but also to call it: POURQI ALPHABETICAL ORDER.

(Note: The letter K was found, in the Testament, only in the Greek form, kappa, which is good enough; the letter W wasn't found at all, which put it in the final position, without discussion.)

[From the minutes of the 2nd meeting of Oulipo, 22 dec 1960. My translation.]