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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.

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Price Summary

  • We started tracking this book on March 9, 2011.
  • This book was $18.56 when we started tracking it.
  • The price of this book has changed 39 times in the past 4,769 days.
  • The current price of this book is $28.99 last checked 19 hours ago.
  • This book is at its lowest price in the past 90 days.
  • This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past six months is $18.37.
  • This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past year is $18.30.
  • The lowest price to date was $15.94 last reached on December 31, 2014.
  • This book has been $15.94 8 times since we started tracking it.
  • The highest price to date was $28.99 last reached on July 12, 2016.
  • This book has been $28.99 3 times since we started tracking it.
  • This book is currently at its highest price since we started tracking it.

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  • Lending: Disabled
  • File Size: 17,545 KB

We last verified the price of this book about 19 hours ago. At that time, the price was $28.99. This price is subject to change. The price displayed on the Amazon.com website at the time of purchase is the price you will pay for this book. Please confirm the price before making any purchases.