And yet research seems to show that those with the features closest to
symmetrical are most likely to be considered beautiful and do best in the
old attracting a mate business....

As for symmetry being western and originating with Morris - is it not to be
found in art and artefacts from Ancient Greece, Persia, India, China etc -
in intent if not in absolutely perfect executation?

But indeed in science it is often asymmetry as in the case of DNA or other
biologically important molecules that actually makes things work.

Then again its their deviation from symmetry that is important - so symmetry
remains an important principle if rarely seen in practise.

More paradoxes.

H
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arthur Seeley" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: New sub: Five Geese


> Hi James . Glad to see you back again and knee deep in the estuary I see.
> James I do not doubt your description of the scene as being an accurate
> recall of what you saw but I do not think you will find that symmetry is
> natural on the contrary symmetry is totally artificial, man-made, Western
> deriving probably from William Morris and his wallpapers, in fact nature
is
> always assymmetrical, it is a principle of Aesthetics that true beauty
lies
> in the assymetric, that perfection is only present when imperfection is
> there. Which is a nice little paradox for you. Arthur.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "James Bell" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 10:53 AM
> Subject: New sub: Five Geese
>
>
> > This is part of a curent sequence of poems and an ongoing depiction of
the
> > riversides I wander on a regular basis. C&C welcome.
> >
> > --
> >
> > FIVE GEESE
> >
> > Five geese swim
> >                        one behind another
> >             in a line
> > on a flat river surface
> >
> > cause a wash like a wide open fan
> >
> > They are central
> > a decorative watercolour finish to the fan
> >
> > depict the symetry of nature
> >                                    in tranquility
> >
> >
> >
> > bw
> > James
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Stay in touch with absent friends - get MSN Messenger
> > http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger
>