Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Plot Robert Scott Carey, known as "Scott", is on vacation with his wife, Louise, when a strange mist covers him. Six months later, Scott notices his clothes are too large, suspects he is shrinking and seeks medical advice. At first dismissive, Scott's doctor confirms his shrinking using X-rays. Scott is referred to a medical research institute, where it is determined Scott's exposure to the mist, combined with his later exposure to a pesticide, rearranged his molecular structure, causing him to shrink. Scott tells Louise, in light of his predicament, she is free to leave him. Louise promises to stay, as Scott's wedding ring falls off his finger. Scott's condition makes him a national curiosity. Media attention forces Scott into seclusion inside his home. Scott is advised to sell his story, and he begins keeping a journal of his experiences. Scott's humiliation causes him to lash out at Louise in frustration. An antidote is discovered, arresting Scott's shrinking to three feet in height, but doctors warn him that he will remain that height unless something is found to reverse his condition. Emotionally broken, Scott goes out and meets Clarice, a carnival worker and female dwarf, who is exactly Scott's height. Clarice encourages Scott, and he is inspired to continue his journal. Later, Scott notices he is now shorter than Clarice, and dejectedly runs home. Scott shrinks small enough to live in a dollhouse and becomes more tyrannical. When Louise leaves home on an errand, Scott falls into his basement after Butch, the family cat, attacks him. Louise returns and assumes Butch ate Scott after she finds a bloody scrap of Scott's clothing. Louise prepares to move out, with Scott's brother, Charlie, helping. Scott encounters much hardship navigating his basement. The water heater bursts, but when Charlie and Louise come to investigate, Scott is too small for them to hear his screams for help. Scott next battles a large spider while finding food and shelter for himself. He ultimately kills the spider with a straight pin, and collapses in exhaustion. He awakens, small enough to escape the basement through one of the squares of a window screen. Scott accepts his fate of shrinking to subatomic size. He is no longer afraid, concluding that no matter how small he becomes, he will still matter in the universe because God will