The Real First MUMPS Standard Predates ANSI by a Year

What most histories get wrong about MUMPS's first standard

Most histories claim MUMPS was standardized in 1977 by ANSI, but I discovered the first formal standard was actually the NBS Handbook 118, published in January 1976. To solve the fragmentation of seven incompatible dialects, the MUMPS Development Committee created a unified specification that the U.S. government quickly adopted to protect its investment in medical systems before the slower ANSI ratification process began.

"The reader is hereby notified that the language specifications contained in this Standard have been approved by the MUMPS Development Committee."