Response to "As We May Think"

"As We May Think" by Bush
1.What is the Bush’s context for research?

The article was published in 1945 when the Second World War had ceased. For years scientists devoted themselves to warfare. Inventions created at that time extended “man’s physical powers rather than the powers of  is mind”(The editor). Dr. Bush thinks that it is time to put energy in a new and meaningful direction which is inheriting knowledge.

2.What problem does he list?

1)There are lacking "bridge between disciplines.” Investigators cannot find time to grasp conclusions of thousands of other workers, let alone to remember.

2)The "methods of transmitting and reviewing the results of research are generations old,” which causes investigators cannot extract the “truly significant attainments” from “the mass of the inconsequential.”

3)Present processes to store a record will remain clumsy, slow and faulty in detail.

4)The problem to find an effective way to consult records.

3.What is the memex? 

               —description

Memex is a device for individual use, which is a sort of mechanized private file and library. It consists of a desk, a translucent screen and a keyboard. Material will be projected on the screen for convenient reading. Keyboard sets of buttons and levers. What’s more, associative indexing is the essential feature of the memex.

               —what does it enable the research to do

Individuals can mechanically store all their books, records and communications in memex and consult with exceeding speed and flexibility. He can leave one item in position while he calls up another. Memex can also presumably be operate from a distance.

4.Do we have anything similar to the memex today?

In appearance, the computer including laptop is similar to memex. It consists of desk, screen and keyboard. In function, Search Engines like Google, Baidu and Yahoo are similar to the memex. They collect thousands of materials and run by associative indexing. It’s quite convenient for people to do research.