THE SELF-MADE TAPESTRY: PATTERN FORMATION IN NATURE

Ball, Philip

ISBN 10: 0198502443 / ISBN 13: 9780198502449

Published by Oxford University Press, New York, 1999

About this Item

Illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs. The dust jacket is protected by a Brodart mylar cover and is not clipped. Not an ex-library copy. No remainder marks. Most books shipped within 24 hours. All books mailed with Delivery Confirmation. Crinkling at the head of the spine panel and curling along the top edge of the front cover. Stains on a portion of the top edge. Contents are fine and unread. Near fine condition in near fine dust jacket. ; Color and black-and-white illustrations; Large 8vo.; vi, 286 pages.

Seller Inventory # 35290

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE SELF-MADE TAPESTRY: PATTERN FORMATION IN NATURE
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, New York
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198502443
• ISBN 13: 9780198502449
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: NF
• Dust Jacket Condition: NF

About this title

Synopsis

For centuries, scientists have struggled to understand the origins of the patterns and forms found in nature-from the leopards spots to the graceful spirals of a mollusc shell to the complex designs on a butterflys wing. Now, in this lucid and elegantly written book, Philip Ball applies state-of-the-art scientific understanding from the fields of biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and mathematics to these ancient mysteries, revealing how nature's seemingly complex patterns originate in simple physical laws.
Ball traces the history of scientific thought about natural patterns, showing how common presumptions-for example, that complex form must be guided by some intelligence or that form always follows function-are erroneous and continue to mislead scientists today. He investigates specific patterns in depth, revealing that these designs are self-organized and that simple, local interactions between component parts produce motifs like spots, stripes, branches, and honeycombs. In the process, he examines the mysterious phenomenon of symmetry and why it appears-and breaks-in similar ways in different systems. Finally, he attempts to answer this profound question: why are some patterns universal? Illustrations throughout the text, many in full color, beautifully illuminate Ball's ideas.
A fascination with nature,s patterns is as old as civilization. With this spellbinding book, Ball dispels age-old conundrums while increasing the readers wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. The Self-Made Tapestry will enlighten anyone who has ever marveled at the shape of a seashell or the brilliance of a spider's web.

About the Author

Philip Ball, an editor at Nature since 1988, has written many scientific articles on all topics for the popular press. His first book, Designing the Molecular World, won the American Association of Publishers award for books on chemistry.