II search is made to secure information for a specific purpose. A study of the litera ture and patents stimulates thought and may lead to inventions, new research projects, new manufacturing plants, a lawsuit, or improvements in an old tech nique. Such improvements may even be made along known lines which neverthe less were unknown, or at least not thought of, by the scientists concerned until they read the search. Reading it, they may suddenly see possibilities leading to a novel material or a new use of a known chemical.Like research itself, the records concerning research must be organized for maximum results with the least expenditure of time and money.Searching grows more difficult with the increased quantity of available litera ture and more publication in foreign languages, including the Asiatic ones. Trans-1 Present address, Esso Research and Engineering Co., Linden, N. J.