On Growth and Form

Published by Cambridge University Press, this landmark scientific text explores the mathematical and biological principles behind natural forms. D'Arcy Thompson's work represents a pioneering effort in interdisciplinary thought that has influenced fields from biology to architecture.

The book examines how mathematical principles govern organic growth and form, from simple cell division to complex animal structures. Thompson demonstrates how physical forces and mathematical relationships determine the shapes and structures found in nature, challenging purely genetic explanations of biological form.

The work established biomathematics as a field of study and influenced generations of scientists, architects, and artists. Thompson's insights into the mathematical basis of natural form helped bridge the gap between biological and physical sciences. The book's influence extends beyond science into architecture, art, and design, where natural forms are studied for their structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Thompson's work anticipated many discoveries in modern developmental biology and biomechanics. His analysis of how size affects form helped explain why certain animal shapes are impossible at different scales. The book has been continuously in print since its 1917 publication, demonstrating its enduring relevance to multiple fields of study.