MINUSCULE ITALIC, WRITING. – This expression is today generally used to denote the Latin script, of a predominantly documentary nature, which developed between the end of the 3rd century and the beginning of the 4th century, characterized by minuscule forms and a cursive flow. Although these features are not exclusive to this script, the current designation has prevailed over such terms as “new Roman cursive” (in opposition to capital or majuscule cursive) employed by F. Steffens, “ancient Roman cursive” (in opposition to later cursives) introduced by W. Wattenbach, and “cursive uncial” (absolutely inaccurate) adopted by H. B. Van Hoesen and M. Tangl. The terminus ad quem varies for manuscripts according to the paleographers’ viewpoint, in relation to how they understand pre-Caroline scripts (v. CAROLINE, WRITING and MINIATURE), and for documents it is extended as far as the 10th century by those who include within it also the chancery and notarial scripts.
Enciclopedia Cattolica