Abstract: A system for retrieving information from a plurality of databases, even when the content of the databases is different. A target database-extracting device extracts databases containing data that has been sought to retrieve. An integrated information retrieval device integrates data from the extracted databases and retrieves records from the databases matching retrieval conditions. A systematic retrieval device retrieves other record from the extracted databases that are systematically close to the records designated to be retrieved. The systematic closeness between records is calculated as a function of the degree of similarity between information in the records. Records are calculated A retrieval result display device displays the results of the retrieval by the integrated retrieval device and by the systematic retrieval device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an information retrieval system which eliminates inconveniences associated with using a plurality of databases at the same time. A target database-extracting device extracts databases containing data as narrowing conditions. An integrated information retrieval device integrates data separately added to identical records in a plurality of databases in response to retrieval conditions input, and retrieves records matching the retrieval conditions based on integrated information of the data. A systematic information retrieval device is responsive to a systematic information retrieval command in which a particular record is designated, for retrieving, from the databases, other records systematically close to the designated particular record. A retrieval result display device displays results of the retrieval by the integrated retrieval device and results of the retrieval by the systematic information retrieval device.