When organizing research work, I always make use of a tool that is simple, inexpensive and machine independent: a timeline. Entering facts, data, and documents into chronological order gives information more than order. It can provide a view that gives new meaning to the information — something that isn’t hidden but just out of sight, something that makes a connection, or fires up a re-examination of a previous analysis. Make that timeline in a text file, spreadsheet, or write it in ink.