Readme: QS SymXaos Help and MAP files

This program uses the five attractor formulae described in the book "Symmetry
in Chaos", by Michael Field and Martin Golubitsky (Oxford University Press,
1992). These formulae generate striking symmetric icons, and tiling patterns
which the authors refer to as “quilts”. The program was written in 1997 for
Windows 95, with tweaks in 2000 and 2018. It is a 32-bit Windows program which
should continue to work in current 64-bit Windows versions.

The help file for this program, SYMXAOS.HLP, uses a format that Microsoft
abandoned after Windows XP. It requires the installation of a file named
WinHlp32.exe, which seems to have different versions for each subsequent
flavor of Windows. At least for now, a WinHlp32 installer can be
downloaded from the Microsoft Web site:

	https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/917607

You'll have to select from various versions and hope that one of them works
for your system. Since it's quite possible that none of them will, I've
included a PDF version of the help file, "QS SymXaos.pdf".

The program uses Fractint 256-color MAP files for its color palettes. These
are text files containing RGB triplets, which are easy to create or edit. A
small collection can be found in the file "MAP Palette Files.zip". There
are hundreds if not thousands of these files available on the Web. These can
be selected from the GUI menu.

Parameter files for the images in the book are included. They have an
extension of ".sx" and can be loaded into the program from the GUI menu. If
you associate them with the program, you can double-click on any of them to
launch the program with that file loaded.

A companion program, QS SymXaos 3D, is included. It adds a third dimensional
factor to the Icons 1 and Icons 2 formulae from the book. The images can be
rotated around each of the three axes. Parameter files for this program have
an extension of ".sx3". For help and further information about this program,
see the file "QS SymXaos 3D.pdf".

Disclaimer:
This is unsupported, non-standard software. It is provided "as is" and any
express or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are
disclaimed. In no event shall the author be liable for any direct, indirect,
incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not
limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data or
profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of
liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including
negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this software,
even if advised of the possibility of such damage. 

