2 Plots, 2 Unknowns

[Tom Trifik]

Both of these stories, (novels?), I read years ago... all I have is the general plots.

Plot #1: Scientist creates a miniature race of intelligent "people" that live their lives at a very accelerated rate. He experiments by exposing them to adversity, floods, famine, wars between each other, etc. Using a powerful Hydraulic Ram our mad scientist starts lowering the "sky" with instructions that the people will be squashed if they don't stop it. They use wood, iron, invent steel, and finally create a force field to stop the sky. Scientist exploits their inventions for personal gain; military gets involved.... Also, was written when Teletypes were in use.

Plot #2: Some guy creates a "machine" that can Duplicate Anything! It is a Very Basic thing. Put item on one side, Push button, Duplicate appears on other side! He Duplicates thousands of his Duplicator and sends them out in pairs to people everywhere. Chaos Ensues, the Economy collapses, (presumably).... Fast Forward to the Future ....Society changes into little clannish "kingdoms" and the major portion of the book deals with this future.

Any Help?

[admin]

The first story might be Microcosmic God by Theodore Sturgeon -- it has been a while since I read it, so I'm not certain. The second story sounds like A is for Anything, by Damon Knight. Again, I'm going by memory, so I can't say for sure.