A data storage and retrieval system includes a data space area where a set of data belonging to a predetermined category and definition data describing definition of the structure and the presentation form of the data are stored, a data space retrieval section for retrieving data and definition data made to correspond to the data from the data space area, a data space operation section for rewriting the definition data made to correspond to the data retrieved by the retrieval section on the basis of another definition data stored in the data space area, and a display for displaying the data retrieved by the retrieval section on the basis of the definition data rewritten by the operation section.