New methodological aspects related to design and implementation of symbolic computation systems are considered in this volume aiming at integrating such aspects into a homogeneous software environment for scientific computation. The proposed methodology is based on a combination of different techniques: algebraic specification through modular approach and completion algorithms, approximated and exact algebraic computing methods, object-oriented programming paradigm, automated theorem proving through methods à la Hilbert and methods of natural deduction. In particular the proposed treatment of mathematical objects, via techniques for method abstraction, structures classification, and exact representation, the programming methodology which supports the design and implementation issues, and reasoning capabilities supported by the whole framework are described.
