The Algorithmic Beauty of Sea Shells

by Hans Meinhardt

The patterns on the shells of tropical sea snails are not only compellingly beautiful but also tell a tale of biological development. The decorative patterns are records of their own genesis, which follows laws like those of dune formation or the spread of a flu epidemic. Hans Meinhardt has analyzed the dynamical processes that form these patterns and retraced them faithfully in computer simulations. His book is exciting not only for the astonishing scientific knowledge it reveals but also for its fascinating pictures. An accompanying CD-ROM with the corresponding algorithms offers wide scope to those who wish to try their hand at simulating and varying the patterns.

Genres: Science

Hardcover

First published November 30, 1995

Reviews

[fbz · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book has inspired so much of my knit textile work. the code is non portable, pre compiled basic, and terribly clunky. the book itself and all of the algorithmic modeling is fantastic.