On Growth and Form

"On Growth and Form" is a seminal work written by the British biologist D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson and first published in 1917. The book explores the relationship between biology and geometry, examining how the forms of living organisms are influenced by physical and mathematical principles. Thompson emphasizes that the shapes of organisms cannot be understood simply through evolutionary biology; instead, he argues that physical forces, mechanical properties, and mathematical patterns play a crucial role in shaping biological structures.