Volume 16 of W. Ross Ashby's Journal
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1952



Volume 16



3941+03	3941+04


Summary: Examples showing how 'adaptation' means 'destroying information'. 4133, 4155, 4159, 4167
3942	3943

Lattice of partition Partition lattice theory

3944	3945



3946	3947



3948	3949

Summary: Partition and lattice.
Summary: Partitions in absolute ensembles. Information and lattice theory
3950	3951


Summary: Fault in book, to be corrected. Yes. 3966, 3986 Summary: Partitions in absolute ensembles. 3997 Behaviour two behaviours as constraint Step-mechanism faults in first "proof"
3952	3953

Experience Information fall under change of parameter Parameter allows information to fall

3954	3955

Activity positive effect of Memory filling of Oddments [32]: Prolonged activity of a parameter makes the system's behaviour tend to depend more on the parameter's particular line of behaviour than on the system's particular initial state, 3956.
Essential variables dominating a system The Multistable System [32]: Properties of each part depend more and more, as time goes on, what happens to it rather that on which initial state it started from. 3957.
3956	3957


Summary: Input makes for uniformity. 4048, 4122
3958	3959

Summary: A quite different way of defining and handling the absolute system. 3962, 4019. Review, 4338 Information levels of Information what is necessary

3960	3961

Basin invariant under time

3962	3963


Summary: States and metric give field. Summary: Ultrastability does not need step-functions! Metric step-function and Step function in set-theory
3964	3965

Ultrastability formal proof

3966	3967

Summary: Ultrastability can act without a metric. 3986 Natural Selection [49]: Ultrstability as a form of selection, 3968, top.

3968	3969



3970	3971



3972	3973


Basin in random field Connexion in random field Field (of substitution) random
3974	3975



3976	3977

Basin method for many Resting state maximal number
Summary: How to get many resting states (argued without a metric). Topology of my concepts
3978	3979



3980	3981


Independence not invariant
3982	3983

Summary: My concepts divided into the topological and the metrical. 4026
Summary: The concept of 'state' does not require number or metric. Metric system without
3984	3985

Ultrastability formal proof

3986	3987



3988	3989

Summary: Ultrastability proved at last! Worked out example 3967 Obsolete! 4232 N-tuple
Continuity is metrical
3990	3991


Summary: 'Step-functions' topologically. 4000, 4005, 4602 Step function topology of
3992	3993

Summary: Why do our brains take so much notice of a step-function? 4233 Unsolved problems [14]: Why do we take so much notice of a step-function? 3994. (because of its 1-bit simplicity).
Summary: 'Absoluteness' is relative to an observer. 4031, 4043. Information levels of
3994	3995

Class I.e. not to individual Congruence Ideal (mathematical) Information 'complete' within limits Quotient machine and residue class Residues (of congruences)
Summary: Residue classes in behaviour. Basin as partition Partition lattice theory
3996	3997

Chemical dynamics solution that goes blue Delay (in substitution) solution for showing delay
Summary: A chemical dynamic system.
3998	3999

Part-function definition Step function improved definition

4000	4001

Summary: A more rigorous definition of full, part, step, and null functions. Try it on 3900, 4604 Joining geometric
Summary: Joining parts to form a whole. Personal notes [15]: Change of direction at Burden Neurological Institute. 4003.
4002	4003

Summary: Change of direction. Summary: Examples of a single artificial absolute system. 4486 if some states become indistinguishable. Basin example Transformation decimal places 3 and 4 of log₁₀(100+x)
Summary: Note on the subjective.
4004	4005

Part-function properties of system with
The Multistable System [44]: Sub-systems of multistable system viewed topologically, 4007.
4006	4007



4008	4009


Summary: Lewin's Topological Psychology. 4026 The Multistable System [45]: Multistable system tends to have terminal fields with little activation, 4011.
4010	4011

Summary: Absolute systems. Q.E.D. Summary: Panta rhei - Heraclitus [~everything flows] Oddments [38]: The variables common to two absolute systems must be absolute 4012. Quotations [44]: Panta rhei - Heraclitus [~everything flows] 4012
Memory in action Psychiatric applications [19]: Schizophrenia might be due to an unfixing of memories that ought to stay fixed 4013.
4012	4013

Unconscious, the memory in
Summary: On memory and schizophrenia. Summary: For progressive adaptation the essential variables must be multiple. 4167 Summary: On infinitesimal disturbances. The Multistable System [46]: In the multistable system, essential variables must be mulitple if adaptation is to be progressive, 4015.
4014	4015

Part-function lock and key as example
Summary: Examples of systems with part functions. Essential variables complexity of
4016	4017

Summary: Two independent 'complexities' in the 'complex system'. 4167, 4189
Summary: Importance of a system's history. 4041, 4048, 4302 History of system Teleology and system's history
4018	4019


Summary: Interaction between adaptations. Summary: My solution includes all solutions. Personal notes [16]: The 'Ashby' solution includes all solutions, 4021.
4020	4021

Summary: S.8/2 should be re-worded.
Class of states Distinguishability equivalence relation Metric system without State in classes
4022	4023

Absolute system of homomorphism Homomorphism over protocol
Summary: 'Coarsening' an absolute system. 4041, 4475, 4919 Coursening Field (of substitution) can be made a vector
4024	4025

Summary: Field as vector. Summary: Meaning of 'topological'. Statistical mechanics Lashley on Topology of my concepts
Localisation Laskley on Memory in visual cortex The Multistable System [47]: Lashley supports the statistical view, 4027.
4026	4027

Memory size of units Quotations [45]: "The organisation stability of a performance of the nervous system is greater than the precision of the underlying structural apparatus" Weiss, 4028.
Summary: Quotations Serial adaptation Lashley on
4028	4029

Summary: The absolute system does not imply a group. 4033 Absolute system origin of
Summary: An absolute system is a selected projection of the world-lines. 4038, 4043, 4292 Homeostat equations etc
4030	4031

Summary: The homeostat's equations.
Summary: Being a one-parameter group is not sufficient to ensure absoluteness.
4032	4033

Summary: I formally reject the concept of 'group'.
Summary: The 'group property' without groups.
4034	4035

Natural Selection [52]: Abstact form of 'selection', 4036.
Summary: Abstract, and objective form of 'selection'. Review: 4137. 4099, 4229 Selection abstract definition
4036	4037

Summary: Non-metrical definition of 'stability'. Summary: Why not two, or more, representative points? 4121

4038	4039


Summary: Every regular system can be made to yield an absolute system. 4042, 4302 Equivalence relation by not observing
4040	4041

Summary: A regular system is practically an absolute system.
Summary: Nature of absoluteness. 4292, 4306 Absolute system origin of
4042	4043

Joining non-metric

4044	4045

Summary: The joining of machines can be represented without a metric. 4332, 4471
Summary: Continuity of transformation. Continuity in machine
4046	4047

Epistemology experimenter in Experimenter is ensemble Epistemology [8]: The observer as ensemble 4048.
Originality
4048	4049

Summary: 'Observing' a system means letting the regularity of the system's behaviour lessen the scatter in the ensemble of experimenters. 4122, 4296, Review 4348

4050	4051

Summary: If a system is very large and its lines of behaviour very long, the 'later' ends of the lines must differ from the 'earlier' in some 'Darwinian' way. (Note on 4055) 4099, Review 4141, 4201
Summary: Essential variables. 4161 Essential variables complexity of
4052	4053

Summary: In exposition, use non-learning systems as examples of organisational facts. Summary: Arcs breed. ? 4151, 4065 Arc breeding of The Multistable System [48]: Perhaps arcs in the cortex breed, 4054.
Self-locking system field of
4054	4055


Summary: The field of the self-locking system. 4065, 4155
4056	4057

Servo-mechanism as attendant
Summary: The 'ordinary' and the 'statistical' machine differ only in the proportions allotted to the directly functioning part and the parameter-adjusting, servo-mechanistic part. 4061
4058	4059

Summary: More examples of the stable and unstable. 4062, 4070, 4074 Equilibrium examples in geology
Summary: Example of 'stability' miss-used. Further examples 4062, 4070
4060	4061

Summary: Economic systems vary in their amounts of stabilising machinery. Society [43]: Stabilising machinery in economic systems; free forms v. controlled forms, 4062.
Summary: The organism that 'knows' a line of behaviour is better if it knows the adjustment lines as well. Answered 4608 Knowing extent of
4062	4063



4064	4065

Summary: Musings on evolution and the cortex. Review: 4155, 4071
Noise must be used DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [74]: Some source must provide variation 4067.
4066	4067

The Multistable System [49]: The intelligent adult is locked in this state 4068.
Summary: The basis of both the multistable and the evolving system is the self-locking system (and its superior, the self-reproducing). 4071, 4099, 4153, 4166, 4201, 4229
4068	4069

Summary: Learning that have to adapt to a fixed (reflex) mechanism. Summary: Meteorological dynamics. 4072

4070	4071

Summary: Self-reproducing systems. 4086, 4099, 4154
Summary: Complex systems can also be regular.
4072	4073

Reproduction growth of hobbies Natural Selection [53]: Spreading of interest in hobbies as reproduction, 4074. Natural Selection [54]: 'Partial' reproduction occurs when the occurrence of one merely increases the probability of another occurring. 4074.
Summary: "Design for a Brain" must use methods of proof that correspond to what I hold are the natural, physiological, methods. Natural Selection [55]: Self-reproduction in instability, 4075.
4074	4075

Summary: Random transformations. The Multistable System [50]: Random transformation used by card player - quotation, 4076.
Chess strategy in The Multistable System [51]: Selective correction, 4077.
4076	4077

Noise pressure of
Summary: The multistable system may have no trend if wrongly devised. 4080.0, 4175, 4201
4078	4079

Summary: Multiple faults in a machine. 4613, 4195, 4201 Psychiatric applications [27]: Hidden 'pain' as a possible cause of psychosis, 4080.
Summary: A possible cause of psychosis.
4080	4081

Mathematics as dynamic system
Summary: Waismann's book. Dimension Bronwer's theorem
4082	4083

Summary: Example for localisation.
Summary: Absolute systems within absolute systems. (Continued 4113) Self-locking system molecule as
4084	4085

Natural Selection [56]: What 'reproduces' is a vector or some more general 'quality' 4086.
Summary: More on evolution. 4610, Review 4201, 4155, 4099
4086	4087

Summary: In discussion, force every question to be converted to an acceptable form before answering. Personal notes [17]: In discussion, before answering a question, force the question into a new, precise form before answering 4088.

4088	4089

Summary: Judge the difficulty of "Design for a Brain" by the comprehension shown by the average worker in EEG. Adjust the difficulty so that almost all such workers show comprehension. Energy notes on
Entropy in physics
Hover mouse here to display note
4090	4091



4092	4093

Summary: Entropy etc. Entropy dimensions of
Set or Ensemble in experimenter
4094	4095

Summary: The demonstration of feedback requires three primary operations. Diagram of immediate effects (D.I.E.) demonstration of Feedback demonstration of
Summary: How many primary operations are required to establish the diagram of immediate effects?
4096	4097

Summary: To study an absolute system of σ states, σ elementary operations are necessary, and they yield σ log σ of information. 4112 Summary: Compare 'adaptation' in the multistable system with 'adaptation' in evolution. (My aim is to show them as identical). 4086, 4071, 4064, 4056, 4036 Reviews: 4136, 4201 Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Arc individual adaptiveness Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4098	4099

Thing as set of constraints Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Summary: What is a 'thing' in my type of concepts? Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4100	4101

Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4102	4103

Control by parameter Thing control of Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Summary: A 'thing', therefore, can be said to exist in an absolute system when the observer's parametric control is insufficient for the exploration of all initial states, so that the states have to be tested in blocks. Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4104	4105

Summary: A 'thing' corresponds to a constraint. 4233, 4439, 4388, 4440, 4943 Summary: A 'thing' means redundancy. Example 4187 Constraint "thing" as Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4106	4107

Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }. Natural Selection [58]: There is no room for more than a few 'breeding' qualities, 4108.
Self-locking system as point on scale Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }. Natural Selection [59]: Whether the quality is, at a moment later, in the same or different variables, doesn't matter, 4109 (example of mushrooms)
4108	4109

Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }. The Multistable System [52]: I do not argue that there must be Q's: I say that if there are responding Q's then they will be important. 4110.
Summary: We can now consider the 'isolation' that exists when a system is not surrounded by the absolute constancies previously postulated but by variables that, though not constant, are statistically constant. Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
4110	4111

Summary: (a) Adaptations in multistable system and in Darwinian system compared (b) What is a 'thing'? (c) What is 'reproduction'? 4522 (d) A system is in a sense 'isolated' if the disturbances are statistically constant. Review 4137 Summary: Two points about dreams and the cortex. Dream essential variables Natural Selection [57]: Comparison of adaptation in multistable system with adaptation in natural selection { 4098 - 4112 }.
Summary: The difficulty of 'delay' is identical with the 'difficulty' of having too few variables. Delay (in substitution) of number of variables
4112	4113



4114	4114+01



4114+02	4115

Absolute system within absolute system Null-function in absolute system
Summary: Absolute systems in absolute systems. 4119, 4145
4116	4117

Absolute system rank of ?(F₁...F₁)/?(x...t)
Summary: Tests for absoluteness.
4118	4119

Summary: Absolute systems within absolute systems. 4145 Absolute system within absolute system

4120	4121

Summary: The representative point may be divided into parts, as the whole system is thought of in parts. Information destruction of
Summary: More on information. 4133 Design for a Brain first advert Personal notes [18]: First advertisment for "Design", 4123.
4122	4123

Step function necessary for memory

4124	4125



4126	4127

Step function and information
Threshold and step-functions
4128	4129



4130	4131

Summary: On the necessity for step-functions. 4158, 4161, 4238
Adaptation as destruction of information Natural Selection [60]: Evolution has developed those gene-patterns that form an information destroyer between themselves and the world 4133. Natural Selection [62]: Most intermediate variables are functions of both the genes and the environment 4133.
4132	4133



4134	4135

Summary: Destruction of information. 4164, 4166. Review 4151, 4385 Summary: Monograph on Evolution. Self-locking system two examples Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Summary: Part 1: Selection. Adaptation equals selection Selection monograph on Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4136	4137

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [54]: By selecting from progressive classes, the intensity can be raised exponentially 4139.
4138	4139

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [55]: For really intense selection (a) thermal noise or cosmic radiation must be used as source (b) select by progressive stages. 4140.
Summary: Part 2: The study of very large systems. Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. Epistemology [9]: The study of very large systems, 4141.
4140	4141

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4142	4143

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. Epistemology [10]: When a very large system is to be studied, the observer must pick on some few statistics to observe 4144.
Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4144	4145

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4146	4147

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. Epistemology [11]: When observing a very large system we should select those functions (those statistics) that are particularly likely to show a runaway 4148.
Waves as entity Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4148	4149

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Summary: Part 3: The properties of Φ(q) Eigen-theory value Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. Natural Selection [64]: Some qualities are such that T_t(Q) = a Q where T_t means 'let time t pass', and a is a numerical multiplier, then F(t) = F₀e (a-1)t 4151 The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4150	4151

Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
Self-locking system as point on scale Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4152	4153

Self-locking system references Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. Natural Selection [65]: Examples of 'qualities' that are self-reproducing: Autocatalysis, i.e. being a molecule of acetic acid (after ethyl acetate has been mixed with water), Combustion of gunpowder i.e. 'being a molecule at a high temperature', Spread of an epidemic, i.e. being ill with ....., Breeding of rabbits (i.e. being a molecule in a rabbit) 4154 The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }. The Multistable System [56]: If a quality Q is to be self-reproducing the basic system must be fairly homogenous 4154.
Summary: Evolutionary processes. 4172. Review 4201, 4790 Part 1: Selection. 4137. Part 2: The study of very large systems. 4141. Part 3: The properties of Φ(q) 4151 Natural Selection [63]: Monograph on Evolution { 4136 - 4155 }. Natural Selection [66]: When there is more than one self-producing quality, competition occurs, and selection, 4155. The Multistable System [53]: Mongraph on Evolution, { 4136 - 4155 }.
4154	4155

Summary: Runaway and information. 4303 Information at runaway

4156	4157

Essential variables use variation amplifier DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [76]: The self locking, ultrastable system deduced from four postulates. DIAGRAM 4158.
Amplifier use of in ultrastability Variety necessity of
4158	4159

Summary: Adaptation of essential variables, (next page) 4163 Epistemology [12]: The observer must be present to disturb the system if ultrastability is to be demonstrated 4160.
Adaptation new formulation Basin and step-function Step function ultrastability without step function The Multistable System [57]: Adaptation can use either step-function or basins, 4161.
4160	4161

Summary: Adaptation without step-functions. The Multistable System [58]: Multistable systems does not need, but may advantageously have step-functions. 4162.
Training new formulation DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [78]: Instability as a danger, 4163.
4162	4163

Adaptation new formulation Habituation DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [77]: The various aspects of the behaviour of the adapting system seen from the new point of view, 4164.
Summary: The adapting system - generalised, (next section). 4166, 4225 Self-locking system ultrastable system Variety necessity of
4164	4165

Amplifier of power and variety DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [75]: In the ultrastable system the arrangement is DIAGRAM 4166. DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [79]: A thermostat has DIAGRAM 4166.
The Multistable System [59]: Essential variables must have a wide channel to the source of variety, 4167.
4166	4167

Environment divisible into part controlled by the brain and part not DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [80]: The environment should be divided into (a) what the brain can affect (b) the rest. 4168.

4168	4169


Summary: (1) The homeostat is a self-regulator that uses information instead of power, but has the usual amplifier - with - negative - feedback. (2) The environment should be divided into (a) affected by the organism, (b) independent of the organism. (3) These give the fundamental control-flow relations. 4179, 4282, 4285 Natural Selection [67]: Genes of very long endurance will force those of shorter to protect them 4171.
4170	4171



4172	4173



4174	4175


Summary: Darwinian adaptation, and the multistable systems. 4197, 4201
4176	4177

Summary: Psychiatry of the information-block. The Multistable System [60]: Separate clusters will tend to adapt in that way which gives minimal interaction, 4178.
DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [81]: Derivation of DIAGRAM from six postulates, 4179.
4178	4179

Self-locking system definition
Summary: The self-locking system will also often be internally self-locking. 4229 DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [82]: The self-locking system will often be, internally, self-coordinating 4181.
4180	4181

Summary: For rapid and successful adaptation in the Multistable System, δ, α,η and ζ must, as channels, have large capacities. The Multistable System [61]: Channel capacity in multistable systems for rapid adaptation. 4182.
Summary: Origin of depression. Summary: The regenerative abnormality as self-locking system. 4229 Psychiatric applications [21]: According to Russell Davis, melancholia may be a self-locking condition 4183. Psychiatric applications [40]: The abnormal regenative circuit that possesses a machine as a self-locking system 4183.
4182	4183

Genes fundamental property Memory and genes Natural Selection [68]: Tobacco mosaic protein can exist in many forms; but the only form that can persist through the generations is the self-reproducing type, 4184.
Summary: Genes and memory. 4206
4184	4185

Summary: The essence of intelligence is selection. 4285 Intelligence equals power of selection
Summary: Chaos first becomes worth studying when a constancy appears. Natural Selection [69]: What do we mean by the "start" of a system? 4187.
4186	4187

Arc must be active [?] The Multistable System [62]: Lashley shows that most of the cells of the cortex must be active most of the time. 4188.
Summary: Lashley on learning. The Multistable System [63]: Discriminative feedback of the multistable system. 4189, 4194. Quotations [46]: Lashley says that the physiologists studies are very restricted, 4189.
4188	4189



4190	4191

Natural Selection [70]: Death acts as a cluster of genes, 4192.
Summary: More observations on discriminative feedback. (Foot of this page) 4201 4613 Summary: Sufficient to ensure high probability of'. Oddments [40]: If I cannot prove that something is "sufficient", I may be able to prove that it is sufficient to give a high probability. 4193.
4192	4193

Reducibility in multistable systems The Multistable System [63]: Discriminative feedback of the multistable system. 4189, 4194.
Summary: Discriminative feedback. 4225, 4514, 4613, 4831 Chess discriminative feedback
4194	4195

Summary: Discriminative feedback. 4216, 4201 Model use of
Summary: Trial and error by model has advantages, if the system can achieve it. Army models in
4196	4197

Natural Selection [71]: Relation to multistable systems reviewed, 4198. The Multistable System [64]: Relation to Darwinian evolution reviewed 4198.

4198	4199


Summary: Various ideas on Darwinian and multistable evolution. Epistemology [13]: Study of very large systems 4201.
4200	4201



4202	4203



4204	4205


Summary: Review of the relation of Darwinian to multistable system. 4216, 4239
4206	4207



4208	4209

Summary: The conditioned reflex. 4424 Quotations [47]: Two principles in human nature reign: Self-love, to urge, and Reason, to restrain (Pope) 4210.
Quotations [48]: Pope, quotation on mania and melancholia 4211. Quotations [49]: But strength of mind is Exercise, not Rest: The rising tempest puts in act the soul, Parts it may ravage, but preserves the whole. Alexander Pope 4211 [Of the Nature and State of Man, With Respect to Himself as an Individual] Quotations [50]: Pope on the essential variables. 4211. Quotations [51]: Dispersion. On different sensee different objects strike. Pope, 4211. Quotations [56]: Quotation by Pope, 4211.
4210	4211

Personal notes [19]: How to explain by Dr Johnson, 4212.

4212	4213


Summary: Assume that the number of essential variables is large and given, and is much the same for all species. 4225 Summary: Feedback through the environment. Environment as transducer Environment as channel The Multistable System [65]: Communication between part and part can occur thru the environment, 4215.
4214	4215

Coefficient use of Selection on egg-laying Natural Selection [72]: Selection for egg-laying, 4216. The Multistable System [66]: Comparison with selection for egg-laying 4216.
Natural Selection [27]: Analogue of dispertion occuring [SHORTHAND] Darwinian adaptation. 4217.
4216	4217



4218	4219

Optimum selection for egg-laying
Discrimination in selection
4220	4221

Summary: Discriminative selection in poultry. 4233, 4239 Summary: The 'essential variable' of a watch that is to undergo trial for the Kew 'A' certificate. Kew certificate
Summary: Maths is not logical. 4539 Logic nature of "proof" Mathematics what is a proof? Model statistics of Proof nature of Statistic necessity of
4222	4223

Summary: The necessity for selecting variables.
The Multistable System [67]: Relation of multistable system as defined in Design, to the system with environmental variables separated. 4225.
4224	4225

DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [71]: The multistable system [SHORTHAND] essential variables are separated, 4226.
Summary: The multistable system as merely one of many. Determinate multistable systems as determinate Parameter system independent of
4226	4227

Summary: Definition of system 'independent' of a parameter.
Habituation theory of Self-locking system conditions for Transducer limit of The Multistable System [68]: Conditions for a system to be self-locking, 4229. DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [83]: Conditions for self-locking, 4229.
4228	4229


Selection in transducer
4230	4231

Summary: Precise conditions under which a system is self-locking. 4242, 4275 Summary: Better proof of ultrastability.
Summary: We take 'things' invariants, and null-functions as fundamental because we must. 4146.2, 4235.9, 4943 Invariant why so important Thing why important The Multistable System [69]: Multistable system will first stabilise two of the null-functions, 4233. The Multistable System [70]: Why the multistable system takes invarients as fundamental, 4233. Epistemology [14]: Invariants are important because they can be adapted to at once, 4233.
4232	4233


Summary: With 'state' as fundamental, canonical equations exist and parts can be joined, by parameters. 4604 Summary: With 'state' as fundamental, 'independence' can be defined.
4234	4235



4236	4237

Threshold as gate DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [84]: [SHORTHAND] Canonical equations [when] system as does essential variables separated. 4238.
Summary: The field of [DIAGRAM] Self-locking system in evolution
4238	4239

Genes self locking Natural Selection [73]: How can the Darwinian system get self locked? 4240. The Multistable System [72]: The present-day, advanced, multistable system probably keeps melting down its adaptations, 4240.
Summary: Darwinian and multistable systems. 4425, 4655 Adaptation speeding up adaptation
4240	4241


Speed (of adaptation) DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [59]: Design by me is not essentially different from design by a component, 4243.
4242	4243

Summary: How to get the time of adaptation to be reduced by the machine automatically. (Also) An ad hoc design is equivalent to a feedback loop with selection amplifier. 4246 Coding in dispersion Dispersion can be learnt Selection amplifier
Summary: The diagram is more general than it looks. Summary: Getting information from a system. Epistemology [15]: Entropy and observation, 4245.
4244	4245

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning Natural Selection [74]: Speed of evolution, 4246. Society [44]: Organisation of a super-society, 4246, 4264, 4270. The Multistable System [73]: Factors affecting speed of adaptation, 4246.
Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
4246	4247

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
4248	4249

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
Adaptation speeding up adaptation Model speed of Play speed of Speed (of adaptation) of learning Trial and error speed of
4250	4251

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
Adaptation speeding up adaptation Environment population of Speed (of adaptation) of learning
4252	4253

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
4254	4255

Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
Summary: On the time taken by a large system to get adapted. 4264, 4515, 4560 Adaptation speeding up adaptation Speed (of adaptation) of learning
4256	4257

Personal notes [20]: Reviews of "Design": 4258 Observer, 4309 Citizen, 4380 British Medical Journal, 4423 Journal of Consulting Psychology, 4423 McCulloch, 4446. Hibbert Journal, 4595 Galaxy, 4595 Scientific American, 4643 Occupational Psychology.
Design for a Brain Bronowski's review
4258	4259

Summary: Building an exceptionally un-intelligent machine. Oddments [41]: How to build an exceptionally unintelligent machine, 4260.
Summary: Building a machine to display its powers of self adjustment. Essential variables various orders DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [60]: How to design a self-adapting machine, [SHORTHAND] how to make it evolve, 4261.
4260	4261

Summary: Orders or levels of essential variables. DAMS (Dispersive and Multistable System) [85]: Essentail variables of different orders, 4262.
Summary: Levels in social organisations and in the multistable system. Natural Selection [75]: Essential variables in hierarchy, do different levels, 4263. The Multistable System [74]: Mutistable system insufficiently general, as it has no levels, 4263.
4262	4263

Society [44]: Organisation of a super-society, 4246, 4264, 4270.

4264	4265

Jove's nod Nod of Jove
Summary: Precise instructions for commercial organisation. 4269, 4273 Summary: Is the power of abstraction the same as the power of developing an hysterical blindness?
4266	4267

Model speed of
Summary: Play is an investment of surplus adaptation. 4271 (13), 4425 Play as investment
4268	4269

Levels of ultrastable systems Society [44]: Organisation of a super-society, 4246, 4264, 4270.

4270	4271

Summary: Explicit instructions for commercial or social organisation. 4273
Chess organisation for Constraint transformation of Society [45]: Organisation of a chess-playing society, 4273.
4272	4273


Summary: Building a society for chess-playing.
4274	4275

Summary: A better way of stating my 'limit' theorems, and 'trend' theorems. Intelligence comparison with power

4276	4277

Summary: Power and I.Q. have many similar properties. 4285

4278	4279

Summary: Appearance of a super-clever machine. Levels of ultrastable systems Society [46]: Noise in the sub-units of society, 4280.
Summary: 'Noise' when an Ultrastable System is built of Ultrastable Systems.
4280	4281

Summary: By serial adaptation, time falls to its logarithm. Amplifier entropy of
Summary: The entropies of the variation-amplifier. 4285
4282	4283

Summary: Multiple, competing, essential variables lead to the same problem, whether occurring in one person or scattered among many. 4289 Conflict between essential variables Essential variables conflict between Essential variables dominance between Levels of essential variables Society [47]: The essential variables of the people in a society are as functionally joined as if in the person, 4284. The Multistable System [75]: Levels between essential variables. 4284. Psychiatric applications [26]: Conflict between two essential variables, 4284.
Intelligence as selection Selection intelligence as
4284	4285



4286	4287

Amplifier nature of
Summary: A selection-amplifier, in the multiplying sense, is not wanted; but a selection-supplementer is. 4520 Psychiatric applications [22]: Possible cures when essential variables compete, 4289.
4288	4289

Summary: Therapeutic possibilities. Canonical equations converting difference to differential equations Differential equation conversion to difference equations Differential equation to difference equations
Summary: Converting [x^~=Ax] to x'=A'x
4290	4291



4291+01	4291+02

These images are reproduced courtesy of The Estate of W. Ross Ashby. Copyright 1972, 2008 © The Estate of W. Ross Ashby