Jonathan,

>> select a, b, c from table inner join
>> select 1 bob, 2 larry from rdb$database
>> union
>> select 2 bob, 1 larry from rdb$database
>> union
>> select 4 bob, 6 larry from rdb$database
>> on d = bob and e = larry;
>>

J> Well, as you say, that doesn't (currently) work, and besides, it's a
J> significantly more obscure syntax. Also, what do you mean by "select 4
J> bob, 6 larry"? Did you forget the "as" or is this a new syntax I'm not
J> aware of?

- surround the inner select with () and it will work (in Fb2).
- the AS keyword has never been required for column names.
- I also think that a tuple, or row, datatype would be useful. It has
been discussed several times in the past here.

HTH
--
Nando Dessena