Though the number of subscribers to on-line data bases has been increasing steadily, the cost of searching has in some cases more than quadrupled.

The cost of other foods would probably quadruple.

The cost of price-controlled noodles quadrupled and cooking gas jumped about 25-fold.

The number of children on the disability rolls has tripled since 1989, and costs have quadrupled, to more than $5 billion a year.

And indeed, since the mid-'70s, the cost of attending college has more than quadrupled in real terms.

The cost of noodles and newspapers quadrupled.

In California, the average medical cost has nearly quadrupled, to $35,201 over the past decade, according to Mr. Bellusci.

"The cost quadrupled," Mr. Elsas said, to $1,400 a week, from $350.

Over the last two decades, the cost of winning a seat in Congress has more than quadrupled.

But in today's commercial theater, when a play moves a mere three blocks uptown its costs quadruple and its chances for success become appallingly uncertain.