> Now, we could extend the object format to address this; I seem to
> remember that at least one Smalltalk (Tek?) allowed for an extra word to
> be added to the object to hold a 32bit hash if needed. However, it is
> pretty rarely needed and so I'm not sure the complication would be worth
> it. In Squeak one could conceivably add an optional fourth header word
> to allow a similar capability, but that would also add complications.
> The annoying part of any of these possibilties is that the hash value is
> not often needed and so it hurts to pay the price.

I could really use it.  But, I can work around the problem by adding a
custom hash methods (essentially adding that fourth header-word
manually, one class at a time!), so I guess the status quo isn't tooooo
bad.


-Lex