Why can't prefix() accept a pseudovariable argument, e.g. prefix("$avp(S:the_prefix)"); ? It is interpreted literally. -- Alex Balashov Evariste Systems Web : http://www.evaristesys.com/ Tel : (+1) (678) 954-0670 Direct : (+1) (678) 954-0671 Mobile : (+1) (678) 237-1775