Miniaturization is a continuing trend in technology toward ever-smaller scales for first mechanical, then optical and most recently electronic devices. The trend can be traced back to ancient times both as an abstract science and a physical practice, beginning with atomic theories of the nature of matter and the use of early microscopes and leading, centuries later, to the current sciences of nanotechnology and molecular nanotechnology. See also list of optical topics. ... Electronics is the study and use of electrical devices that operate by controlling the flow of electrons or other electrically charged particles in devices such as thermionic valves and semiconductors. ... Matter is commonly defined as the substance of which physical objects are composed. ... It has been suggested that microscopy be merged into this article or section. ... A mite next to a gear set produced using MEMS, the precursor to nanotechnology. ... It has been suggested that Molecular engineering be merged into this article or section. ...
The tininess race
The race toward miniaturization particularly divided in East vs. West fashion, led by Japan in the East and (amongst others) Germany in the West. One (apocryphal) story recounts that a drill bit of tiny proportions was sent to Japan - only to return with a hole drilled through it. See Japanese miniaturization culture. Because of the rapid technological advances in Japan, an extensive miniaturization culture has developed. ...
Miniaturization in science fiction
Miniaturization is also a theme of science fiction. See Nanotechnology in fiction. Science fiction is a form of speculative fiction principally dealing with the impact of imagined science and technology, or both, upon society and persons as individuals. ... A mite next to a gear set produced using MEMS, the precursor to nanotechnology. ...
Beside referring to redesigning products to make smaller ones, miniaturization in science fiction also refers to shrinking things and people. See Resizing (in fiction). Resizing (including size-changing, miniaturization, magnification, shrinking, and enlargement, is a theme in fiction, especially science fiction. ...
Miniature of the baptism of Christ from the Benedictional of St. Æthelwold, 10th century, is an example of the Anglo-Saxon school.
Thus the history of the miniature in the 15th century must be sought in the manuscripts of the Continental schools.
Like the miniature of the Flemish school, the Italian miniature was still worked to some extent with success, under special patronage, even in the 16th century; but with the rapid displacement of the manuscript by the printed book the miniaturist's occupation was brought to a close.
A miniature is a small-scale reproduction, or a small variation.
Miniature (illuminated manuscript), a small painting in an illuminated text
Miniature model, a small representation or reproduction of an object that is larger or smaller than the actual object being represented (See scale model)
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