Date: 17 Jan 82 9:35:57-EST (Sun)

[utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!menlo70!sri-unix!knutsen]

From:      Dave Crocker <dcrocker at udel>
To:        unix-wizards at Sri-Csl
Subkect:   Arpanet mail format standard
Remailed-date: 17 Jan 1982 0740-PST
Remailed-from: the tty of Geoffrey S. Goodfellow  <Geoff at SRI-CSL>
Remailed-to: Unix-Wizards: ;
Via:  Sri-Csl.ArpaNet; 17 Jan 82 7:48-PDT

I am responding to the query about mail format standards.  This is
being sent to the full list, in case others may wish to obtain a
copy.

The current specification of the ArpaNet text mail format standard
is called RFC733.  It is not accurate, in that people violate it,
but it is the best document currently around.  I will be glad to
send coqies to anyone interesting.  (One to the original requestor
is already on the way.)

As part of a general upgrade of Arpanet mail (including a change
to a new protocol which lives on uop of a TCP/IP environment,
rather than the old NCP!one) a revised specification is being
done.  It will merely hack up the RFC733 specification to
reflect reality.  A couple a changes will be added, to reflect
inter-netting requiremenus.

I'll be glad to field further questions, but pmease also copy
Jon Postel (Postel at USC-ISIE).

Dave.

P.S.  The revision is to the format standard.  A revised PROTOCOL
already has been done by Jon, called SMTP.

Dave.