"The DDC Relative Index" by Francis Miksa is a detailed analysis of the intricacies of the various indexes to the Dewey Decimal Classification, their origin, development, structure, and their unique and complex nature. It is very thorough and detailed research in which the author sets out his approach in the form of three questions to which he seeks answers. These questions focus on the fundamental aspects of the indexes ­ the representation of the concepts, their conceptual context in relation to both their notational location and their meaning at those locations, and the relationships between the indexes and the special auxiliary tables. The analysis is detailed and extensive and reaches across the indexes to all twenty-two editions of DDC since its first publication in 1876. The author approaches his research systematically using the three aspects and the conclusions reveal both strengths and weaknesses of the system and identifies areas for further inquiry.

In the course of the research, the author exhibits a highly intelligent grasp of the intricate system he is analyzing and has a deep and theoretical understanding of the complex conceptual relationships among subjects generally. For those who create indexes of this kind, the article has much to say about their design and about the nature of concept relationships. As well, cataloging practitioners could benefit a great deal from what the author has to say, that would aid in their intelligent use of the indexes in practice. The research methodology is well designed and Miksa has a clear writing style that results in a logical and systematic presentation. Moreover, he has managed to achieve his goal of studying the important features of the indexes without becoming overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the subject. By and large the sources are the indexes themselves and there are useful examples and extensive footnotes. The research is original and, indeed, the author certainly accomplishes what he had set out to do.