Tk:parts

part definition
 * a portion or division of a whole that is separate or distinct; piece, fragment, fraction, or section; constituent: the rear part of the house; to glue the two parts together.
 * a constituent piece of a machine or tool either included at the time of manufacture or set in place as a replacement for the original piece.

component definition
 * a constituent part; element; ingredient.
 * a part of a mechanical or electrical system: hi-fi components.


 * Distinguish parts which are significant from a design standpoint to fragments (broken glass example)
 * Atomic theory, example of IBM spelled out in Xenon atoms with AFM.


 * Examples of parts
 * Chemistry (functional groups) (reactions)
 * Mechanics (screws)
 * Electronics (resistors)
 * Architecture

Abstraction
 * decomposition of complex structures into simpler pieces
 * different ways to decompose depending on the goal
 * example: mechanical system (support structure) (power transfer)
 * Structural composition
 * Functional composition

Interfaces and standards
 * standard methods of connecting one part to another
 * screws
 * lego blocks
 * electrical wiring
 * plumbing

Hierarchical abstraction
 * Black boxes
 * interfaces between boxes

Decorative components

Connectors

Flexibility
 * modularity in service of facile change

Applying the notion of parts to biology