Kryhoski has previously taught English as a second language overseas and currently works as a freelance writer, specializing in literature. In this essay, Kryhoski considers the influence of classic Greek thought on Thompson's work.

On Growth and Form is an amazing testimony to the power of nature and its impact upon the organism, both organic and inorganic. Many scientists marvel at D'Arcy Thompson's discourse, his consideration of morphology in the light of mathematics, and his use of illustrations. Thompson's contributions as a classicist are perhaps most significant in respect to the overall text of On Growth and Form. Looking back to the work of classical Greek scholars and comparing their work to Thompson's is of paramount importance in understanding the work as a whole. Such a comparison reveals that the very foundation of Thompson's work is based upon classical convention-not surprisingly, as Thompson was very familiar with...