9780936070179
Symmetry: A Unifying Concept - Istvan Hargittai, Magdolna Hargittai
Shelter Publications (1994)
In Collection
#6994

Read It:
Yes
Symmetry, Symmetry (Art), Symmetry (Biology), Symmetry (Physics)

A thought-provoking and stimulating visual journey with over 550 photographs and 300 drawings. Unique and transforming, no one will look at a butterfly (or a hubcap) quite the same way after this book.

The authors are both distinguished research professors in structural chemistry with numerous publications, have produced an intriguing book on diverse symmetries, classifying some 25 varieties and defining their intrinsic natures in rather innovative style embrancing those found in Nature and those produced by the Hand of Man. There is some exacting methodology in classifications that range from mirror, movement, chirality, rotational, snowflake, geometric, redundant, spiral, motifs, to crystallines, etc.

At the molecular level, we learn all amino acids in living organisms are left handed and corresponding nucleotides (of nucleic acids) are right handed, and that all naturally-occuring snowflakes are equilateral, equiangled hexagons. We are shown examples of Nature's utilization of Fibonacci series, the Golden-Ratio, -Section, -Rectangle, Logarithmic Spiral and the Magic Number 230 in crystalline structure.

The treatise photographically encompasses and aptly describes a plethora of symmetries that should be of interest to all age groups -- it is not encumbered by mathematic particulars. The causal representations of symmetry in Nature has yet to be elucidated, but may be a product of efficiency conservatism, inherent molecularity, or an assemblage not yet understood. Be assured that upon reading this book one is wont to discover symmetry in...almost everything, something which is sure to please the authors.

Product Details
LoC Classification Q172.5.S95 .H37 1994
Dewey 516.1
Format Paperback
Cover Price 18,00 €
No. of Pages 222
Height x Width 270 x 216 mm