The Memex

Interesting article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memex
Idea put forth by Vannevar Bush in 1945. Precursor to hyperlinking, but detailing a much grander idea of personal paths through collections of information. A user would indicate a linear sequence ("personal trail") for working through information, motivated by personal associations. Supplementing this with personal notes, the result could be stored and shared with others.