But I want to access my Oracle database with Zope SQL methods, so I downloaded the Oracle database adapter (Z Oracle DA). The "installation instructions" only tell me how to build DCOracle; no sign of how to install ZOracleDA into Zope can be found, and Zope has yet to read my mind and detect ZOracleDA's presence.

The .tgz contans a README.txt file in the src directory which details the all-too-painful process of compiling the Oracle modules. Even in its current state you should be able to visit the Control Panel/Products folder and see a broken ZOracleDA product. Check the README.txt for step-by-step compilation instructions. BTW, what platform are you running (Win/Sparc Solaris)? --Rob