Even before Vannevar Bush began specification work on his memex, Paul Otlet was developing the first mechanical database: a rotating, wheel-shaped desk through which users could browse and annotate millions of index cards. Most surprising was Otlet’s concept of someday being able to access the database remotely using an “electric telescope” connected to the telephone lines.
boxes and arrows, the information architecture resource, has published the best overview of Paul Otlet’s work I’ve found. Truly fascinating.
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