"Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower" – On Growth and Form in Context. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jarron, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Mechanisms of development. Volume 145(2017)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: D'Arcy Thompson -- Growth -- Form -- Mathematical biology -- Biomathematics -- Interdisiplinary research; Developmental biology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Developmental Biology -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Biologie du développement -- Périodiques; Biologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Developmental biology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2017.03.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-4773

Abstract

Abstract: D'Arcy Thompson wrote his most celebrated book, On Growth and Form, at University College, Dundee in the 1910s. This paper explores some of the influences on Thompson's ideas and the context in which the book was written. It examines the controversial nature of some of the book's content and the connections between science and art that it embodies. The book's reception is discussed and the gradual take-up of his ideas within biology, as well as looking at the many other fields that have been influenced by Thompson's ideas.