Hypertext in a nutshell means text-linking text; Nelson, Ted, created the term hypertext for �non-sequential writing.� Hypertext has been around for a long time; the dictionary and encyclopedia are examples of hypertext documents.  These hypertext documents can be viewed as a network of nodes joined by referential links, or original point of origin of the data. The original idea of hypertext was conceived by Bush, Vannevar in July 1945.  His idea called �Memex� essentially featured the ability to tie two items together. Although his system was never implemented some of his concepts are still in existence even today.  Bush was concerned about the possibility of a large amount of scientific literature becoming a mass undesirable and un-readable data that would make it impossible for scientific specialists to continue developments in any given field. A need for system that would help people find information more easily quickly grew. Bush�s concept �Memex� to store or masses of information on microfilm that could be kept on anyone�s desk.  The microfilm could contain many tiny translucent screens that could be projected when needed. Bush proposed "Associative indexing, the basic idea of which is a provision whereby any item may be caused at will to select immediately and automatically another. This is the essential feature of memex. The process of tying two items together is the important thing." (Bush, 1945).

Nelson worked on his concept of a �Docuverse� (document universe) where "everything should be available to everyone. Any user should be able to follow origins and links of material across boundaries of documents, servers, networks, and individual implementations. There should be a unified environment available to everyone providing access to this whole space." [Nelson, 1987]. Nelson designed Xanadu, a repository publishing system "intended to store a body of writings as an interconnected whole, with linkages, and to provide instantaneous access to any writings within that body." (Nelson, 1980). It was his concept to have this system to be unable to delete anything once it had been written.  Meaning that one something had been published everyone could see it forever.		 Hypertext resembles human�s cognition.  We think in non-linear chunks, for example, when we read a book, when we make notes, and even when we use a help menu to solve a particular computer problem. Brainstorming, mind maps, reorganized and revised, the repetition of this cycle occurs until we are happy with the outcome of what we have created a final or coherent document.

Hypertext has a dictionary all to itself with terms such as, Anchor�s, back link�s, navigation�s, and so on.  As complicated as hypertext may sound it is essentially a way of organizing masses of complex information that allow people to, create, annotate, link, as well as share all types of different computer media.  Such as: text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and programs. Although hypertext articles with such computer media are considered hypermedia articles. A hypertext article consists of nodes (concepts) as well as links (relationships). A node symbolizes a concept or an idea that can contain a variety of computer media.  Nodes are connected to one another by links.  The original location of the first node is called a reference, and the location of the final node is called the referent. Nodes are also referred to as anchors. Links are connected to related concepts; they can be multidirectional allowing users the ability to move forward or backwards in a hypertext document. Links can also be used as a reference point or for cross-referencing material within the document.  Some of the general features of a hypertext article can include: a graphical user interface, an authoring system, information for gathering, as well as the ability be used as a storage system. All of which allow the user to interact with the hypertext document.

Hypertext solves the need for a non-sequential method of accessing information from many different sources.  It allows users to absorb information from one place and continue on to absorb information in another. Nodes and links are the key aspects of hypertext, and many different examples of such can be found today.  For example: the world wide web, Microsoft Windows or any program help menu, or any text linking text. Bush and Nelson have created a way of organizing masses of complex information so that users are able to take information, or other such media, that they want into an understandable and clearly defined manor.
References:

(Bush, 1945). Bush, Vannevar. As We May Think, The Atlantic Monthly, July 1945.

(Nelson, 1980). Nelson, Ted. Replacing the Printed Word: A Complete Literary System, Information Processing '80, 1980.

(Nelson, 1987). Nelson, Ted. All for One and One for All, Hypertext '87 Proceedings, November 1987.

V.Balasubramanian. �State of the Art Review on Hypermedia Issues And Applications� Hypertext an Introduction. 1994. <http://www.isg.sfu.ca/~duchier/misc/hypertext_review/index.html > (21 February 2002).
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