>Does anyone know what database was the first one
>(bibliographic or other)? The first one we could search in batch
>before online? NASA was early, and I think CAS and NLM had electronic
>databases before 1970, but I should like to know the first one.
>Somebody here said METADEX, but I don't think that is correct. And
>what are the names of the first ones we could search online?
According to Maizell: "How to find chemical information", Chem Abs
offered batch-search service based on Chemical Titles in 1965 (though
there had been experiments 1962-63)
The first in Europe was at Nottingham [UKCIS] in 1967.
The first online Chem Abs service wasn't until 1973: SDC [later
Orbit], Informatics Inc and SIA.
Thus I believe MEDLARS was earlier online as these tapes were
searchable online via systems such as the SUNY Biomedical
Communication Network in the North Eastern US. - This is taken from
Bottle and Wyatt: "The use of the biological Literature". 1971.
[Teasingly it says "(and other databases)" without saying what they
were!]
I always believed that MEDLARS was the earlier batch system as well.
I haven't found anything about NASA or Netadex.
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Dave Huddart
Information Coordinator Tel: +121 541 3304
International Technical Centre fax: +121 541 3346
Albright & Wilson [log in to unmask]
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Olbury, W Midlands B69 4LN UK
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