5. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising the step of selecting a search statement rule for constructing the second search statement.
5. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising the step of selecting a search statement rule for constructing the second search statement. 6. The method as recited in claim 5 wherein a plurality of search rules are available for selection and arrayed in a narrowest to broadest order, and the method further comprises the steps of: first selecting a narrow search rule for the creation of the second search statement; creating the second search statement according to the narrow rule and the set of selected words; retrieving documents according to the second search statement; upon an indication from the user that a broader search is desired, selecting a broader rule for the creation of a third search statement; and creating the third search statement according to the broader rule and the selected set of words.