Chaos in Wonderland

"Clifford Pickover, a leading figure in the field of scientific visualization, uses a creative blend of science fiction, mathematics, astronomy, and computer graphics to introduce the reader to chaos science - the science behind many intricate and unpredictable patterns in mathematics and nature." "Chaos in Wonderland describes the biology, sociology, and technology of the fictional Latoocarfian civilization of Ganymede, one of Jupiter's moons. On Ganymede, creatures' heads are composed of semiconductor materials that enable them to spend their days in contemplation of beautiful mathematical patterns created by chaos. Status in their society is determined by the beauty of their fractal dreams." "Chaos in Wonderland also includes a cornucopia of curiosities: games played on fractal boards, instructions on how to create globular star clusters using personal computers, a listing of the "100 strangest mathematical titles ever published," and additional puzzles to stimulate the imagination. Also included is a novella describing the adventures of two scientists exploring a world filled with fractal spiders, zinc-oxide ants, and Ganymedean mathematicians. The book closes with a fascinating appendix that lists hundreds of resources for readers interested in computer art, astronomy, fractals, and bizarre technology."--Jacket.