[DCRM-L] Formula for alternating gathering sizes

[JOHN LANCASTER]

I’d be grateful for information on any published discussion of the notation for gatherings that alternate sizes in a regular pattern, recorded as “[superscript]x.y” (e.g. ⁸.⁴; sorry, I don’t find a superscript dot).

I’ve looked quickly at Bowers and Gaskell, but found nothing.

The inquiry that spurred this question has to do with a particular work, variously described as:

A-X⁸.⁴ Y⁶

and 

A-V⁸.⁴ X⁸ Y⁶.

where X falls within the sequence, but one bibliographer wants to reserve the “8.4” designation for complete groups of two, while the other believes the “8.4” designation should include all gatherings that fit the pattern.  (I was taught, and continue to agree with, the latter approach.)

Thanks for any citations, as well as any opinions from those who’ve considered the issue.

John Lancaster