Abdul Kassem Ismael, the scholarly Grand Vizier
of Persia in the 10th century, had a library of
more than 100,000 volumes. On his many travels
he could not bear to part with his beloved books.
Wherever he went, they were
carried by about 400 camels
trained to walk in alphabetical
order.
His camel drivers thus became
librarians who could put their
hands instantly on any book
for which their master asked.
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