My previous posting was sent before I saw Chris's response to Paul Brandon: >Yes, but Eglash addresses this directly. Not in all, but in some >of the instances, people had designed things quite consciously, >even (he says) using "algorithms," to get the desired result. Now, >that may not be a general understanding of fractals, but I think it >counts as an understanding of a particular kind of fractal pattern.
I'm not sure this differs in principle from the techniques used by master builders in designing Gothic cathedrals. They used practical procedures in producing their plans (which I suppose is a kind of geometrical equivalent to algorithms), but it doesn't mean they had an understanding of the mathematics involved. It would be helpful if one could find a disinterested examination of the relevant part of Eglash's findings by a mathematical expert, but I was unable to find one online. Allen Esterson Former lecturer, Science Department Southwark College, London http://www.esterson.org --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
