> OK, I'll ask. xsl:variable name=x select= ??  if not document('')

Just replace

<d:sort_index name="my_sort">
   <d:entry key="Jan" index="0"/>
   <d:entry key="Feb" index="1"/>
...

 </d:sort_index>

 <xsl:variable name="sort_index" select="document('')//d:sort_index"/>

with

<xsl:variable name="sort_index" as="element(d:sort_index)" >
<d:sort_index name="my_sort">
   <d:entry key="Jan" index="0"/>
   <d:entry key="Feb" index="1"/>
...

 </d:sort_index>
</xsl:variable>

> 
> 
> RTF solved a problem (in 1998?). I guess there was less experience
> around at the time?
> 
> regards
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Dave Pawson
> XSLT XSL-FO FAQ.
> Docbook FAQ.