Description: Well illustrated in black and white and color. ''Combining striking photographs with a compelling text, the authors give us a thoughtful account of the symmetry and regularity of nature's forms and patterns. Although often easily seen, these forms and patterns are not always easily explained. Are there simple universal laws that allow us to comprehend them? Why are celestial bodies spherical rather than square or pyramidal? Nature does not abhor sharp polyhedral structures; we seem them in crystalline formations. Can these jagged structures be explained by the same underlying principle that explain the shape of a perfectly round and symmetric soap bubble? This book examines attempts by scientists and mathematicians throughout history to find answers to these riddles.'' This is the thirteenth volume in the Scientific American Library series. BNDING/CONDITION: dark blue cloth; owner's name stamp in two places (top edge of the text block and the front endpaper), otherwise a Near Fine book, with a Near Fine dust jacket. references, index. Beige endpapers. 9.5 inches tall by 8.75 wide. 215 pages.

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Bibliographic Details

Title

Mathematics and Optimal Form (Scientific American Library, Number 13)

Publisher

Scientific American Library, New York

Publication Date

1985

Language

English

ISBN 10

0716750090

ISBN 13

9780716750093

Binding

Hardbound

Edition

2nd Printing.

Condition

Good

Dust Jacket Condition

Dust Jacket Included

Seller catalogs

Math and Science

About this title

Synopsis

Looks at the history of the calculus of variations, describes the connection between soap films and mathematical structure, and discusses the design of buildings and living things

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are a small town bookstore (Oroville in Butte County, California), and strive to maintain stock covering a wide range of interests. We have been in this location since 1989, and selling on the Internet since 1995.

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The Bookworm
CA, U.S.A.

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Terms of Sale

Return for refund for any reason. April Hearn, The Bookworm, 2310 Montgomery Street, Oroville, California 95965 USA. email: bkworm2@cncnet.com. Phone: 1-530-534-1974.

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