Vi287 Pp. Blue Cloth , Spine Lettered In White. Book And Dust Jacket Without Wear, Book Has Short Description In Marker On Lower Edge Of Page Block, And Two Preliminary Pages Have Crease Adjacent To Fore Edges.

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Bibliographic Details

Title

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Publication Date

1999

Language

English

ISBN 10

0198502443

ISBN 13

9780198502449

Binding

Hardcover

Edition

1st Edition

Condition

Near Fine

Dust Jacket Condition

Fine

Seller catalogs

Science (general)

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.

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Store Description

Fine and unusual first editions and out of print books in all categories. Original photographs, Fine antiquarian and other original prints, paintings, drawings and watercolors. Motion picture and television scripts. Ephemera, Manuscripts and autographs. In business on the internet since 1999. Open by appointment only, in Pasadena, California.

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Arroyo Seco Books, Pasadena, Member IOBA
CA, U.S.A.

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