by Mario Markus (Max-Planck-Institut für molekulare Physiologie, Germany)

Table of Contents (66k)
Preface (47k)
Chapter 1: The Useful and the Beautiful (63k)

This innovative book brings together two disciplines — science and art — and enables readers to produce their own computer-generated displays. 44 colour plates and 200 black and white pictures showcase the diagrams that can easily be reproduced using the accompanying CD-ROM. It is possible to create diagrams that indicate predictability or unpredictability of physical, chemical, ecological, mathematical or economic systems. Grey levels and colours indicate the stability of a predictable system, or the extent of unpredictability. In addition, diagrams can be drawn purely for their aesthetic value. Directed both at scientists and laymen, technicians and artists, this combination of book and CD-ROM is the first of its kind.

• The Useful and the Beautiful
• The “Object Trouvé” in Mathematics
• The Mondrian Experiments
• An Anecdotal Report on Chaos
• A Case Submitted to Court
• Calculations of the “Charts for Prediction and Chance” (λ-Diagrams)
• The Significance of Discrete Maps
• Maps with Scientific Applications
• Maps of Generic Significance
• Are the λ-Diagrams Fractals?
• What Can We Learn from λ-Diagrams?
• Appendices:
  • Informal Glossary
  • Abbreviations
  • Instructions for the CD-ROM (λ-Diagrams on Your PC)