Small equipment strategy in the development of astronomy

Astronomy is an observational science. This paper points out that in the development of astronomy, the means of observation at every stage has as its main body the large equipment of the time, but equally important is the simultaneous development of small equipment as strategic complement. A number of historical examples are cited. The recently suggested "Special Radio Telescope Dedicated to Pulsar Research" originates in the small equipment strategy, and a brief introduction to this instrument is included here.