diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 99abb3f..8f0fd97 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,4 +1,48 @@
 words
 =====
 
-import of WORDS Version 1.97FC LATIN-ENGLISH DICTIONARY PROGRAM
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+This is an import of William Whitaker's WORDS Version 1.97FC LATIN-ENGLISH DICTIONARY PROGRAM.
+
+using
+-----
+
+I don't know how to use `words` yet.  It probably isn't too hard, though.
+
+building
+--------
+
+words is written in Ada, which might be a problem.  Most Linux distros have gnat
+packages available.  On OSX I've been using Ada compiler binaries that I downloaded
+from http://libre.adacore.com/download/configurations.  I frob $PATH with the following:
+
+    # ada crap
+    IN_GNAT=0
+    PRE_GNAT_PATH=
+    PRE_GNAT_PS1=
+    function load_gnat () {
+        if [ $IN_GNAT -ne 0 ] ; then
+            echo "Aready in gnat mode."
+            return
+        fi
+        echo -n "Configuring gnat... "
+        GNAT=~/local/gnat/bin
+        PRE_GNAT_PATH=$PATH
+        PRE_GNAT_PS1=$PS1
+        export IN_GNAT=1
+        export PS1="[gnat] $PS1"
+        export PATH=$GNAT:$PATH
+        echo "done."
+    }
+    
+    function unload_gnat () {
+        echo -n "Unconfiguring gnat... "
+        if [ $IN_GNAT -ne 1 ] ; then
+            echo "wasn't in gnat mode in the first" 'place!'
+            return
+        fi
+        export IN_GNAT=0
+        export PATH=$PRE_GNAT_PATH
+        export PS1=$PRE_GNAT_PS1
+        echo "done."
+    }
+    
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