Newly enlarged classic covers basic concepts and terminology, lucid discussions of geometric symmetry, other symmetries and approximate symmetry, symmetry in nature, in science, more. Solutions to problems. Expanded bibliography. 1975 edition.

Symmetry exists in realms from crystals to patterns, in external shapes of living or non-living objects, as well as in the fundamental particles and the physical laws that govern them. In fact, the search for this symmetry is the driving force for the discovery of many fundamental particles and the formulation of many physical laws. While one can not imagine a world which is absolutely symmetrical nor can one a world which is absolutely asymmetrical. These two aspects of nature are intermingled with each other inseparably. This is the basis of the existence of aperiodicity manifested in the liquid crystals and also quasi-crystals also discussed in “Crystallography and the World of Symmetry”.

The book deals with biological, mathematical, descriptive, causal and systemic phyllotaxis. It aims at reflecting the widest possible range of ideas and research closely related to phyllotaxis and contains 30 well illustrated chapters.The book has three parts of equal importance. The first two parts concern data collecting, pattern recognition and pattern generation to which students of phyllotaxis are well accustomed. The third part is devoted to the problem of origins of phyllotactic patterns, giving the field of phyllotaxis the universality it requires to be fully understood.Phyllotaxis-like patterns are found in places where genes are not necessarily present. Part III concerns general comparative morphology, homologies with phyllotactic patterns, and recent trends on evolution that can help to understand phyllotaxis.The distinguished researchers who accepted to participate in the production of this book, strongly contributed to the field of phyllotaxis in the past and have devoted a lot of their time to the fascinating subject coming up with most valuable findings, or are newcomers with original ideas that may be very relevant for the future of the field. The book summarizes and updates their contributions, and promotes new avenues in the treatment of phyllotaxis.This book on mathematical and biological phyllotaxis is the first collective book ever. A landmark in the history of phyllotaxis.

Click this link to read a review of Einstein, Money and Contentment. Bridging the academic and practical, Palmquist has taken what the open minded reader will view as a first step toward defining a generic Grand Unification Theory. Objecting to the use of the word, Theory, Palmquist refers to Cosmolaw, because he bases his work upon proven formulas controlling the behavior of electricity. His proposed answer to the long-sought-after GUT should interest physicists. His inter-disciplinary application of those principles to the field of everyday life should interest economists. The attention he centers upon the commonalities between the laws of nature and the nature of God should get the attention of theologians. Even skeptical scientists must fill out 1040 forms. If they take issue with Palmquist''s views of Physics and cosmology they can nevertheless grasp his reasoning that no government under today''''''''s monetary policies can be rational if it also insists upon collecting income taxes from its citizens. The formulas discussed by Palmquist are shown to be common to all of nature and can be applied to all of life. His study embraces the fields of Economics and spiritual life. Blending observations from natural law with his observations about Economics and ordinary life, Palmquist makes the case that economists should try to provide a better society for us, while we as individuals, using Cosmolaw, find contentment in whatever state life finds us.