Synopses & Reviews
In this classic of biology and modern science, Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson (1860-1948), one of the most distinguished scientists of the modern era, sets forth his seminal "theory of transformation" - that one species evolves into another not by successive minor changes in individual body parts but by large-scale transformations involving the body as a whole.
First written in 1917, the book was revised by Thompson in 1942 — the revision reprinted here. The esteem in which this monumental, lavishly illustrated work is universally held derives not only from its scholarship and creativity, but also from the rich literary style that exemplifies Thompson's great erudition in the physical and natural sciences, ancient and modern languages and the humanities.
The book begins with studies of organic magnitude, the rate of growth, cellular form and structure, adsorption, and the forms of tissues, then examines a vast spectrum of life forms, and concludes with a comparison of related forms that leads to the theory of transformations.
Synopsis
Classic of biology and modern science sets forth seminal "theory of transformation" that one species evolves into another not by successive minor changes in individual body parts but by large-scale transformations involving the body as a whole. Rich literary style. Over 500 photographs and drawings. Index.
Synopsis
Classic of modern biology sets forth seminal "theory of transformation" that evolution takes place in large-scale transformations of body as a whole. Over 500 photographs and drawings.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTORY
II. ON MAGNITUDE
II. THE RATE OF GROWTH
IV. ON THE INTERNAL FORM AND STRUCTURE OF THE CELL
V. THE FORMS OF CELLS
VI. A NOTE ON ADSORPTION
VII. "THE FORMS OF TISSUES, OR CELL-AGGREGATES "
VIII. THE SAME (continued)
IX. "ON CONCRETIONS, SPICULES, AND SPICULAR SKELETONS"
X. A PARENTHETIC NOTE ON GEODETICS
XI. THE EQUIANGULAR SPIRAL
XII. THE SPIRAL SHELLS OF THE FORAMINIFERA
XIII. "THE SHAPES OF HORNS, AND OF TEETH OR TUSKS: WITH A NOTE ON TORSION"
XIV. "ON LEAF-ARRANGEMENT, OR PHYLLOTAXIS "
XV. "ON THE SHAPES OF EGGS, AND OF CERTAIN OTHER HOLLOW STRUCTURES"
XVI. ON FORM AND MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY
XVII. "ON THE THEORY OF TRANSFORMATIONS, OR THE COMPARISON OF RELATED FORMS "
EPILOGUE
INDEX
PLATES
A Splash of Milk
The Latto Phase of a Splash