Let R be a ring with involution,
and S the subring generated by the symmetric elements of R. By placing various
conditions on the elements of S, it is shown that the same conditions are forced on R.
For example, if S is nil or algebraic, then so is R. Also, if R is assumed to be simple,
prime, or semi-prime, then S satisfies the same property. Lastly, each of these three
conditions on S implies the same property for R, modulo a nilpotent ideal of
R.
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