Collection of tiling patterns contains over 4,000 images combining art and mathematics.

A comprehensive account of the methods of knowledge production throughout human history and across the globe. The idea that the world can be understood through patterns and the principles that govern them is one of the most important human insights—it may also be our greatest survival strategy. Our search for patterns and principles began 40,000 years ago, when striped patterns were engraved on mammoths' bones to keep track of the moon's phases. What routes did human knowledge take to grow from these humble beginnings through many detours and dead ends into modern understandings of nature and culture? In this work of unprecedented scope, Rens Bod removes the Western natural sciences from their often-central role to bring us the first global history of human knowledge. Having sketched the history of the humanities in his ground-breaking A New History of the Humanities, Bod now adopts a broader perspective, stepping beyond classical antiquity back to the Stone Age to answer the question: Where did our knowledge of the world today begin and how did it develop? Drawing on developments from all five continents of the inhabited world, World of Patterns offers startling connections. Focusing on a dozen fields—ranging from astronomy, philology, medicine, law, and mathematics to history, botany, and musicology—Bod examines to what degree their progressions can be considered interwoven and to what degree we can speak of global trends. In this pioneering work, Bod aims to fulfill what he sees as the historian's responsibility: to grant access to history's goldmine of ideas. Bod discusses how inoculation was invented in China rather than Europe; how many of the fundamental aspects of modern mathematics and astronomy were first discovered by the Indian Kerala school; and how the study of law provided fundamental models for astronomy and linguistics from Roman to Ottoman times. The book flies across continents and eras. The result is an enlightening symphony, a stirring chorus of human inquisitiveness extending through the ages.

"This is not a book about how to make your child into a genius, however. We firmly believe that every child is unique and intelligent in his own way. It is a book on how to understand and cope with your baby when he is difficult and how to enjoy him most as he grows. It is about the joys and sorrows of growing with your baby."--Publisher's website.

The acclaimed science writer “curates a visually striking, riotously colorful photographic display…of physical patterns in the natural world” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Though at first glance the natural world may appear overwhelming in its diversity and complexity, there are regularities running through it, from the hexagons of a honeycomb to the spirals of a seashell and the branching veins of a leaf. Revealing the order at the foundation of the seemingly chaotic natural world, Patterns in Nature explores not only the math and science but also the beauty and artistry behind nature’s awe-inspiring designs. Unlike the patterns we create, natural patterns are formed spontaneously from the forces that act in the physical world. Very often the same types of pattern and form—such as spirals, stripes, branches, and fractals—recur in places that seem to have nothing in common, as when the markings of a zebra mimic the ripples in windblown sand. But many of these patterns can be described using the same mathematical and physical principles, giving a surprising unity to the kaleidoscope of the natural world. Richly illustrated with 250 color photographs and anchored by accessible and insightful chapters by esteemed science writer Philip Ball, Patterns in Nature reveals the organization at work in vast and ancient forests, powerful rivers, massing clouds, and coastlines carved out by the sea. By exploring similarities such as the branches of a tree and those of a river network, this spectacular visual tour conveys the wonder, beauty, and richness of natural pattern formation.

This collection of tiling patterns contains over 4,000 images combining the wonders of art and mathematics. It is catalogued according to the source, and indexed by the properties of each pattern.Admire the work in the Alhambra, some striking patterns by M C Escher, or the mathematical genius Kepler … all on one CD-ROM.The accompanying 32-page booklet describes the components of the system and the means of using the material to design your own patterns.System requirements: Any computer with an Internet browser and a CD-ROM drive.

Have you learned your colors and shapes? Now it's time to learn patterns! Stripes, polka dots, plaid, chevron, and more are featured in this first-ever patterns concept book that provides readers with the vocabulary to name what they see in the world around them. The ten most prevalent patterns are presented first as a single element (This is a circle ...), then as a pattern (... a lot of circles make polka dots!). Conceived by educators and illustrated in vivid candy-colored hues, this pitch-perfect introduction to patterns will engage the artistic, mathematical, and linguistic parts of every young child's mind.

Color, doodle, and draw your way across the globe in this beautiful book featuring over 100 intricate designs. Create your own Italian mosaic, color in the Taj Mahal, and doodle your way through North America; Around the World in 101 patterns puts you in control and lets your imagination run free. It's the perfect way to de-stress your day.