Chapter 1: Introduction

The author sets up the basic premise behind the title On Growth and Form in this introductory chapter. Thompson describes the framework for the text, stating that the study of science is not alone dependent on mathematics, nor is it simply to be viewed as unexplainable, divinely created phenomena. His criticism is that both the scientist and the naturalist, among others, attempt to explain the natural world with a limited focus. The intent of his book is to foster a more diverse approach to the study of the concepts of growth and form from a mathematical perspective.

Kant declared that the criterion of true science is in its relation to mathematics. Adds Thompson, "numerical precision is the very soul of science." Thompson is very careful to point out that he has no interest in reducing the wonders and mystery of the living body to a mechanism...