In VB, is there a way to get letters to represent numbers? I want to write a simple program and part of it has to convert elements or compounds atomic mass to numbers and add them.
Here's an example...

CO would equal 28.01, because C is = 12.01, and O = 16.00.

If I wasn't clear enough, just say so and I'll try to explain in more detail. Also, if this sounds easy, please excuse me, I'm very new to this stuff.