Minim
MINIM (adapted from Lat. minimus, the smallest; a superlative formed from the Indo-Germanic root min-, small), the smallest possible part of a thing, a particle. In music the name " minim " (nota minima) was given by medieval musicians to a note whose value was half a semibreve. It was, as its name implies, the note of the shortest duration then in use. In modern music several notes of lesser value, as the " crotchet " and " quaver," have been added, and the minim is now about halfway in the scale of " values." According to Thomas Morley (A Plaine and Easie Introduction to Practical Music, iS97)> its introduction into manuscript music is ascribed to Phillipus de Vitriaco, a musician of the 14th century.
In medicine a minim is the smallest fluid measure, being equal to one drop. Sixty minims make a fluid drachm.
For the religious Order known as " Minims " see FRANCIS OF PAOLA, ST.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
