On Growth and Form: The Complete Revised Edition by D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson

The principles of growth and form have been integral to biology, mathematics, art, and architecture since at least the time of Aristotle. Since its original publication in 1917, “On Growth and Form” by D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson has remained a defining source for this science.

In the newly released Complete Revised Edition of the book, first published nearly a century ago, readers should expect to find a deep, comprehensive discussion of the most complex aspects of form and development. Alongside thorough explanations of the physical structures of plants and animals, this book delves into the mathematics of growth and aesthetics of proportion as applied to living things.

At the core of “On Growth and Form” lies the concept of morphogenesis – the formation of the shapes and forms of living things. D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson discusses in detail the mathematical, mechanistic, and biological elements that contribute to morphogenesis. He focuses on the importance of biomechanical forces, such as inertia, weak bonds, and hydrodynamic effects, for developing the shapes of living organisms.

These morphogenetic principles, as explained by Thompson, weave together the diverse worlds of mathematics, engineering, and biology. Through this approach, he is able to create a cohesive narrative of how all living things – from single-celled bacteria to mammals – develop their particular characteristics.

One of the most important lessons of “On Growth and Form” is that each species follows the same natural laws of growth and development, though in different ways. For example, Thompson elaborates on how a lobster’s exoskeleton grows, as well as how a tree’s structure is determined by photosynthesis.

In addition to these biological insights, readers of “On Growth and Form” should expect to find detailed explanations of the mathematical elements of growth and form. Through diagrams and examples, D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson provides us with a comprehensive understanding of the proportions and mathematical constants that make up the structure of living things. He covers topics such as Fibonacci series, the golden ratio, and Bessel functions.

Finally, this encyclopedic work of science also explores the aesthetic principles of form and growth. Thompson includes a chapter on color and form, how animals’ symmetries convey beauty, and of course, architectural proportion.

The Complete Revised Edition of “On Growth and Form” by D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson thus provides readers with a comprehensive exploration of morphogenesis by combining the realms of biology, engineering, and mathematics. For anyone interested in the principles of growth and form, this work should undoubtedly be a crucial part of their scientific library.