A history of chaos theory.
Whether every effect can be precisely linked to a given cause or to a list of causes has been a matter of debate for centuries, particularly during the 17th century, when astronomers became capable of predicting the trajectories of planets. Recent mathematical models applied to physics have included the idea that given phenomena cannot be predicted precisely, although they can be predicted to some extent, in line with the chaos theory. Concepts such as deterministic models, sensitivity to initial conditions, strange attractors, and fractal dimensions are inherent to the development of this theory A few situations involving normal or abnormal endogenous rhythms in biology have been analyzed following the principles of chaos theory. This is particularly the case with cardiac arrhythmias, but less so with biological clocks and circadian rhythms.
Oestreicher
Christian
C
Department of Public Education, State of Geneva, Switzerland. christian.oestreicher@edu.ge.ch
D049670:History, 17th Century; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics / Q000266:history*