matrix power operator ^ fails for defective arguments

[John W. Eaton]

On  6-Feb-2008, Rolf Fabian wrote:

| Conclusion 
| Whereas 'sqrtm' seems to be robust (at least for this
| single test matrix), the Octave's power operator
| fails seriously for defective matrix input.
| Octave's matrix power operator ^ needs to be fixed
| to account for defective argument, or at least a
| warning needs to be displayed.

Yes, this is a well-known problem.  We need an expert to submit a
patch.

jwe