Miniaturization
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.
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.
Main articles:
Nanotechnology in fiction and
Resizing (in fiction)Miniaturization is also a theme of
science fiction. Beside referring to redesigning products to make smaller ones, miniaturization in science fiction also refers to shrinking things and people.
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miniaturization_glossary.asp
