Even Before Memex, a Plan For a Networked World

phlurg writes "The New York Times presents an amazing article on 'the Mundaneum,' a sort of proto-WWW conceived of by Paul Otlet in 1934. 'In 1934, Otlet sketched out plans for a global network of computers (or "electric telescopes," as he called them) that would allow people to search and browse through millions of interlinked documents, images, audio and video files. He described how people would use the devices to send messages to one another, share files and even congregate in online social networks. He called the whole thing a "réseau," which might be translated as "network" — or arguably, "web."' A fascinating read." (You may be reminded of Vannevar Bush's "Memex," which shares some of the same ideas.)

Comments

It's all hypothetical

[Anonymous Coward]

French is a fictional language, much like Klingon or Tolkien's Elvish languages. No one speaks it natively, so what words might mean is of little practical value.

Re:It's all hypothetical

[Culture20]

No one speaks it natively, so what words might mean is of little practical value. You are so off target. Just as certain trekkies try to teach their children Klingon from birth, there have been two experiments by Francophiles to teach children French. Louisiana was one, but it failed when the U.S. bought the Louisiana purchase from the Japanese. Quebec is the other, and it has actually worked to the point of many "French" Canadians moving to the southern portion of the German state of Belgium and making a fake country. Now everyone in Belgium speaks French, and only 1/15 of Belgium is considered Belgium today.

The Geeks Can't Do Marketing

[neuromancer23]

I'm surprised that we aren't using it today. With a name like Mundaneum, people are sure to come running in droves.

Re:The Geeks Can't Do Marketing

[Anonymous Coward]

"What are Veritases?"

You should have told him to look in the vino.