Summary

Unlike the case for equilibrium systems, there are no universal principles that guide the formation of patterns or structures in systems far from equilibrium. However one can still identify some generalities or concepts that are useful in obtaining a qualitative understanding of varied systems far from equilibrium: "Dissipative structures" and the comparison in section(5.4). The most interesting and complex system that is maintained far from equilibrium is a living organism. Some understanding of pattern formation and organisation in living things has been obtained by studying other dissipative structures such as the BZ reaction and Turing structures. Further insight can be obtained through mathematical modelling, either by the use of phenomenological equations as was done here or by the use of agent-based simulations of simple models, as we will see in the next chapter.