Dendrites

Abstract

I have touched upon the great variety of crystal forms and dendritic forms in nature, have discussed the essential physics involved in the generation of these forms during either constrained or unconstrained crystal growth, and have shown how this knowledge helps in the classification of this seemingly infinite variety of forms. Man has built upon this understanding to control the form and dimensions of certain materials to his technological advantage. We may hope that, in the future, we will have greater understanding of these phenomena of natural crystal growth and the ability to use this knowledge for technological ends.