The Language Of Living Matter

This book, by an eminent scientist and philosopher, provides strong evidence for the claim that language is a general principle of Nature, rooted exclusively in physical and chemical laws. The author’s radical idea inevitably leads us to view the essence, origin and evolution of life in a completely new light. It shifts the coordinates of our scientific world-view in favor of an overarching concept of language that is able to bridge the gap between matter and mind. At the same time, it removes a blind spot in the Darwinian concept of evolution. To justify this far-reaching idea, the book takes a long and deep look at our scientific and philosophical thinking, at language as such, at science’s claim to truth, and at its methods, unity, limits and perspectives. These are the cornerstones structuring the book into six thematically self-contained chapters, rounded off by an epilogue that introduces the new topic of Nature’s semantics. The range of issues covered is a testimony to how progress in the life sciences is transforming the whole edifice of science, from physics to biology and beyond. The book is aimed at a broad academic and general readership; it requires no mathematical expertise.

This innovative volume is the first to address the conservation of contemporary art incorporating biological materials such as plants, foods, bodily fluids, or genetically engineered organisms. Eggshells, flowers, onion peels, sponge cake, dried bread, breast milk, bacteria, living organisms—these are just a few of the biological materials that contemporary artists are using to make art. But how can works made from such perishable ingredients be preserved? And what logistical, ethical, and conceptual dilemmas might be posed by doing so? Because they are prone to rapid decay, even complete disappearance, biological materials used in art pose a range of unique conservation challenges. This groundbreaking book probes the issues associated with displaying, collecting, and preserving these unique works of art. The twenty-four papers from the conference present a range of case studies, prominently featuring artists’ perspectives, as well as conceptual discussions, thereby affording a comprehensive and richly detailed overview of current thinking and practices on this topic. Living Matter is the first publication to explore broadly the role of biological materials in the creative process and present a variety of possible approaches to their preservation. The free online edition of this open-access publication is available at www.getty.edu/publications/living-matter/ and includes videos and zoomable illustrations. Also available are free PDF, EPUB, and Kindle/MOBI downloads of the book.

The following is a brief summary of the book, “Mind Thoughts, and The Nature of All Happenings. First of all, the book is far from being a novel. Rather, by contrast it’s a non-fiction work. In general, essentially it’s like the book’s title states. For example, they are the writer’s thoughts, opinions, and the nature of the happenings, during his long life. The book, which began over three years ago, has all the elements of what life has to offer us. Some of them are discussed briefly, and others in lengthy manner. For instance, the writer’s World War II experience during the time he served in various South Pacific islands as a sailor with the U.S. Navy. In specific ways human behavior and philosophical reflections are also discussed. Moreover, the book includes historical events, and happenings in the past and in current times. Also, there’s information in how a book is developed, and the basic aspects of English grammar, and the theory of musical tones. To conclude, and not to be left out, there’s a thorough discussion on the experiences while on vacations to distant lands never before seen.

Argues that pre-modern societies placed authority in the text of sacred books, and that when Europeans underwent the scientific revolution in the 17th century, the underlying assumptions and approaches did not alter, only the nature and location of the text where authority was to be sought. Also argues that the change was not generated by factors external to science such as the advent of the printing press or social changes, but by a continual negotiation by scientists themselves for meaning in which the narratives of the Book and the Word vied for authority. Also available in paper (14794-0) at $22.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

"The application of psychology as a natural science to the solution of occult psychic phenomena implies, first of all, a concise statement and a clear understanding of psychology as a natural science. For this reason, it was absolutely indispensable to devote a large space in this work to the elucidation of the principles upon which the final conclusions are based. This application of psychology as a natural science to the solution of occult phenomena is the culminating point of this volume, and the result of my own thought and research. I have thus honestly endeavored to add my share of work to the grand labors of those indefatigable searchers after truth who are endeavoring to solve the vexed questions of psychic life and its seemingly mysterious phenomena"--Preface. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Reprint of the original, first published in 1865. Third Edition.