Synopsis

Explains how scientists who study complexity are convinced that certain constant processes are at work in all kinds of unrelated complex systems.

Booknews

Holland, known for his pioneering efforts in genetic algorithms and the new science of complexity, outlines some principles and demonstrates some procedures and approaches of his recent work in the emerging field of complex adaptive systems, which may someday help model and explain biological, social, environmental, and other systems that change. The text was presented as a lecture series at the Santa Fe Institute in early 1994, and is the first of a series of volumes from the annual lectures. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)