On the cultural and intellectual context of European documentation in the early twentieth century

Abstract

The late nineteenth century and early twentieth century was a renaissance period of prodigious innovation in Europe across the spectrum of arts, sciences, technology, and social sciences, including major innovations in information and communications technologies. Studies in psychology and in the physiology of perception undermined the separation of body and mind that had dominated science since Descartes. A convergence of art, psychology, and engineering emerged, notably in industrial design and graphics. The principle emerged that form should follow function by being ergonomically and aesthetically, as well as mechanically, suitable. Standardization, collaboration, efficiency, and scientific management ("Taylorism") were central to documentation and manifest in standards (e.g. for paper sizes and office equipment), controlled documentary languages, and well-intentioned idealism. Industrial concentration, corporate research laboratories, increased social control, and more active governmental initiatives provided an environment for documentation and for the rise of totalitarian political regimes.