2014年9月5日星期五

Response to As We May Think


-       What is research like for Bush in 1945?
-           - What are the problems with it?
The article As We May Think shows a precise analysis in scientific research in 1945. According to this article, scientists did effective research for same purpose together during the warfare. With the warfare was going to the end, Dr. Bush proposed that scientists should continue to pay attention to doing scientific research because scientific research brought lasting benefit to human beings and their society.
Scientific research increased the control of material environment; improved our food, clothing, and shelter; increased our security; increased biological knowledge; gave people therapies for disease and improved people’s health condition. Beyond that, Dr. Bush also mentioned a problem with scientific research that our methods of transmitting and reviewing the results of research are too old. In response, Dr. Bush came up with a method about store results.
- What is the memex?
At that time, the photography and microfilm were improved, so Dr. Bush insisted that photography and microfilm should be developing. Besides, he described a future device for “enlarged intimate supplement to people’s memory”, which called “memex.” A memex is “a sort of mechanized private file and library.” And it consists of a desk. People can use a memex to store up all his books, records, and communications.
- Do we have anything similar to the memex today?

       A memex as Dr. Bush described is very similar to the computer and smart phone today. Dr. Bush had a perfect prediction for future science, and it is amazing that almost of his advice are available.

1 条评论:

  1. In fact, I was confused by the first question "what is research like". But I don't think that "Scientific research increased the control of material environment; improved our food, clothing, and shelter; increased our security.." are the problems with it. I think it is what we benefit.

    By Zoe

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