--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and…" description: "\"Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so many portions of matter, and it is in obedience to the laws of physics that their particles ha..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49d/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson-4656_bones_cell-and-tissue-shell-and-bone-leaf-and_376740.jpg" --- # Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so… ![“Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so many portions of matter, and it is in obedience to the laws of physics that their particles have been moved, moulded and conformed. They are no exceptions to the rule that God always geometrizes. Their problems of form are in the first…” quote by D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49d/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson-4656_bones_cell-and-tissue-shell-and-bone-leaf-and_376740.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49d/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson-4656_bones_cell-and-tissue-shell-and-bone-leaf-and_376740.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/49d/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson-4656_bones_cell-and-tissue-shell-and-bone-leaf-and_376740.jpg) > “Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so many portions of matter, and it is in obedience to the laws of physics that their particles have been moved, moulded and conformed. They are no exceptions to the rule that God always geometrizes. Their problems of form are in the first instance mathematical problems, their problems of growth are essentially physical problems, and the morphologist is, ipso facto, a student of physical science.” [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Biological structures follow physical laws; their shapes are mathematical and physical problems, making biology a branch of physics. **In simple terms:** Nature’s forms are shaped by physics and math. Key Takeaway Study biology through physics and mathematics. Themes biology physics mathematics form growth interdisciplinary science Mood analytical inquisitive Type scientific philosophical When to use this quote - biology research - education - scientific analysis - design - engineering Key Concepts geometric principles morphology physical constraints mathematical modeling Questions to Reflect On - How do we integrate physical laws with biological complexity? - What limits exist in applying physics to living systems? A Different Perspective Complex systems may not fit simple physical models; exceptions exist. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Exception to the rule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exception-to-the-rule/) [Flower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flower/) [Growth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/growth/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Laws of physics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laws-of-physics/) [Leaves and flowers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leaves-and-flowers/) [Math](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/math/) [Mathematical problems](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematical-problems/) [Mathematics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematics/) [Obedience](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obedience/) [Particles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/particles/) [Physical science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physical-science/) [Physics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physics/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Students](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/students/) ## Related quotes > [Think how hard physics would be if particles could think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/murray-gell-mann/think-how-hard-physics-would-be-if-particles-could-think/) [Murray Gell-Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/murray-gell-mann/) > [There are no physical problems-only mental ones.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/byron-katie/there-are-no-physical-problems-only-mental-ones/) [Byron Katie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/byron-katie/) > [“Couple this stress with the legitimate worries and concerns in your life, and you may find yourself with sleep problems, muscle pain, headaches, chest…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-j-scott/couple-this-stress-with-the-legitimate-worries-and-concerns-in-your/) [S.J. Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-j-scott/) > [“A disharmonious mind is disturbing in itself, but sooner or later it also causes physical problems.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/georg-feuerstein/a-disharmonious-mind-is-disturbing-in-itself-but-sooner-or-later-it/) [Georg Feuerstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/georg-feuerstein/) > [The '90s were a bit of a disaster for me in so many ways. On a personal level, I don't think I could have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-michael/the-90s-were-a-bit-of-a-disaster-for-me-in-so-many-ways-on-a-personal/) [George Michael](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-michael/) > [I slowly continued to compensate for the physical problems I was having and ended up completely destroying my swing, my set-up, my posture. Everything…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-duval/i-slowly-continued-to-compensate-for-the-physical-problems-i-was/) [David Duval](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-duval/) > [I had some physical problems with my back that caused me just some really bad problems.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-layfield/i-had-some-physical-problems-with-my-back-that-caused-me-just-some/) [John Layfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-layfield/) > [I have so many wonderful people in my life. I've never had any major physical problems or an accident or anything like that. I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-underwood/i-have-so-many-wonderful-people-in-my-life-i-ve-never-had-any-major/) [Carrie Underwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-underwood/) > [Yoga answers a lot of physical problems such as back pain, stress issues, and any kind of joint problems or illnesses. Even more important…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rodney-yee/yoga-answers-a-lot-of-physical-problems-such-as-back-pain-stress/) [Rodney Yee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rodney-yee/) > [I've always been drawn to people with problems. Not just physical problems, but mental problems too. Like depressed people or killers, all that stuff.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-sedaris/i-ve-always-been-drawn-to-people-with-problems-not-just-physical/) [Amy Sedaris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-sedaris/) > [“the stress created by information overload, physical clutter, and the endless choices required from these things can trigger an array of mental health issues…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-j-scott/the-stress-created-by-information-overload-physical-clutter-and-the/) [S.J. Scott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-j-scott/) > [“Somatic Symptoms: People with Complex PTSD often have medical unexplained physical symptoms such as abdominal pains, headaches, joint and muscle pain, stomach problems, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzette-boon/somatic-symptoms-people-with-complex-ptsd-often-have-medical/) [Suzette Boon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzette-boon/) > [We are here as local information harvesters, local problem-solvers in support of the integrity of eternally regenerative Universe. The fact that we get away…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-buckminster-fuller/we-are-here-as-local-information-harvesters-local-problem-solvers-in/) [R. Buckminster Fuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-buckminster-fuller/) > [“most often the kinds of pains we encounter in meditative attention are not indications of physical problems. They are the painful, physical manifestations of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-kornfield/most-often-the-kinds-of-pains-we-encounter-in-meditative-attention/) [Jack Kornfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-kornfield/) > [When I reached 80, my world turned upside down physically. I've had a lot of physical problems.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/when-i-reached-80-my-world-turned-upside-down-physically-i-ve-had-a/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) ## More by D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson > [We call a thing big or little with reference to what it is wont to be, as we speak of a small elephant or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/we-call-a-thing-big-or-little-with-reference-to-what-it-is-wont-to-be/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [The harmony of the world is made manifest in Form and Number, and the heart and soul and all the poetry of Natural Philosophy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/the-harmony-of-the-world-is-made-manifest-in-form-and-number-and-the/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [Numerical precision is the very soul of science.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/numerical-precision-is-the-very-soul-of-science/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [“…numerical precision is the very soul of science, and its attainment affords the best, perhaps the only criterion of the truth of theories and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/numerical-precision-is-the-very-soul-of-science-and-its-attainment/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [Sagging wrinkles, hanging breasts and many another sign of age are part of gravitation's slow relentless handiwork.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/sagging-wrinkles-hanging-breasts-and-many-another-sign-of-age-are/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [It is success that colours all in life, Success makes fools admir'd, makes villains honest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/it-is-success-that-colours-all-in-life-success-makes-fools-admir-d/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) > [The perfection of mathematical beauty is such...that whatsoever is most beautiful and regular is also found to be most useful and excellent.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/the-perfection-of-mathematical-beauty-is-such-that-whatsoever-is-most/) [D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) [Explore all 8 D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-arcy-wentworth-thompson/) ## More Bones quotes > [One of the best moments of any Liars show is hearing the crowd squawk 'We're doomed! We're doomed!' on cue during 'We Fenced Other…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rob-sheffield/one-of-the-best-moments-of-any-liars-show-is-hearing-the-crowd-squawk/) [Rob Sheffield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rob-sheffield/) > [May nothing entice me till I happily make my way to Jesus Christ! Fire, cross, struggles with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ignatius-of-antioch/may-nothing-entice-me-till-i-happily-make-my-way-to-jesus-christ-fire/) [Ignatius of Antioch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ignatius-of-antioch/) > [Can you imagine any better example of divine creative accomplishment that the consummate flying machine that is a bird? The skeleton, very flexible and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-murchie/can-you-imagine-any-better-example-of-divine-creative-accomplishment/) [Guy Murchie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-murchie/) > [Surely, God could have caused birds to fly with their bones made of solid gold, with their veins full of quicksilver, with their flesh…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/galileo-galilei/surely-god-could-have-caused-birds-to-fly-with-their-bones-made-of/) [Galileo Galilei](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/galileo-galilei/) > [“We are preaching hope, standing on the bones of the past.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-rucyahana/we-are-preaching-hope-standing-on-the-bones-of-the-past/) [John Rucyahana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-rucyahana/) > [Men are fair, and they have learned not to personalize anger - they can disagree with you and argue to the bone, but afterward…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-farrell/men-are-fair-and-they-have-learned-not-to-personalize-anger-they-can/) [Warren Farrell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-farrell/) > [I separated the joints, the arm joints, the leg joints, and had to do two boilings. I think I used four boxes of Soilex…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-dahmer/i-separated-the-joints-the-arm-joints-the-leg-joints-and-had-to-do/) [Jeffrey Dahmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-dahmer/) > [Flesh forgets. Bone remembers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jefferson-bass/flesh-forgets-bone-remembers/) [Jefferson Bass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jefferson-bass/) > [One of my favorite poets, Neruda, writes close to the bone. Though I know only a little Spanish, I like to compare the Spanish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anita-diament/one-of-my-favorite-poets-neruda-writes-close-to-the-bone-though-i/) [Anita Diament](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anita-diament/) > [Death and burial were a public spectacle. Shakespeare may have seen for himself the gravediggers at St Ann's, Soho, playing skittles with skulls and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catharine-arnold/death-and-burial-were-a-public-spectacle-shakespeare-may-have-seen/) [Catharine Arnold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catharine-arnold/) > [REVIEW, v.t. To set your wisdom (holding not a doubt of it./ Although in truth there's neither bone nor skin to it)/ At work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/review-v-t-to-set-your-wisdom-holding-not-a-doubt-of-it-although-in/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [“All right, you deadly little ghostlings,” I muttered. “Mama says go back to bed! - Cat”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeaniene-frost/all-right-you-deadly-little-ghostlings-i-muttered-mama-says-go-back/) [Jeaniene Frost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeaniene-frost/) > [“In December of 2007 human bones including skulls, which have been radiocarbon dated back to between 1304 and 1424, were found in a museum…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/captain-hank-bracker-seawater-one/in-december-of-2007-human-bones-including-skulls-which-have-been/) Captain Hank Bracker, "Seawater One > [When I look at the human brain I'm still in awe of it. Every single time you lift off the bone and open the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-carson/when-i-look-at-the-human-brain-i-m-still-in-awe-of-it-every-single/) [Benjamin Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-carson/) > [I’m in, Cat. I’d never leave you. Especially when you’ve got death breathing down your neck.” “Very funny,” I retorted, since Bones was inches…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeaniene-frost/i-m-in-cat-i-d-never-leave-you-especially-when-you-ve-got-death/) [Jeaniene Frost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeaniene-frost/) Browse all 2,113 Bones quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so many portions of matter, and it is in obedience to the laws of physics that their particles have been moved, moulded and conformed. They are no exceptions to the rule that God always geometrizes. 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