Claude Code tested semantic mass number as compressor:
- M1 base-256: 1.00x (IS the data, bijection)
- M2 mixed-radix: 1.10x (drops unused symbols, not compression)
- M3 freq-weighted: 1.47x (= arithmetic coding in costume, needs model)
- xz: 3.14x (crushes all)
Base conversion is a bijection — moves information, never destroys it.
Cannot compress below its radix. The doctrine already knew: mass number
= 'admissibility / recoverability RECEIPT', not compressor.
Entire compression arc now sealed end to end:
| char-poly | receipt → GCCL integrity receipt |
| Braille/T9 | 4.167 b/B → dead |
| 16D/583x | zero-noise artifact → LPC in costume |
| weird-machine | conservation law → bits relocate, never shrink |
| mass number | base conversion → recoverability receipt |
One rule: move bits between columns, never beat K(data).
Everything that compresses = base conversion (no gain) or
arithmetic coding (needs model, ship cost = conservation wall).