Keywords can be used as a function with a map, so the keyword will search for itself in the map. Take a look at http://clojure.org/data_structures#Data%20Structures-Keywords
In the case of the "ns" form, as James pointed out, what is happening is not a function call. ns is a macro and as such that form will be transformed before actual evaluation occurs. If you want, you can see the actual call that will be made when evaluating ns, you can do so by expanding the macro with: (macroexpand-1 '(ns org.currylogic.damages.http.expenses (:require [clojure.data.json :as json-lib] [clojure.xml :as xml-core]))) Be aware though that the resulting form may be a little daunting :-) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Clojure" group. To post to this group, send email to clojure@googlegroups.com Note that posts from new members are moderated - please be patient with your first post. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to clojure+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/clojure?hl=en --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Clojure" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to clojure+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.