A formal sum of elements of a given set B is an element of the free abelian group with basis B. In other words, given a set B, let G be the unique (up to isomorphism) free abelian group with basis B. For elements and (where there must be an such that for all ),
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“It is in the nature of allegory, as opposed to symbolism, to beg the question of absolute reality. The allegorist avails himself of a formal correspondence between “ideas” and “things,” both of which he assumes as given; he need not inquire whether either sphere is “real” or whether, in the final analysis, reality consists in their interaction.”
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