.
stigmergy
local chaos programs the algorithms
of global orders
there are no architects, no blueprints
only genetic codes rules & feedback loops
disciplining the final form
guiding each construction
bees are mechanics & heat engineers
warming thermoplastic wax into structures
that grow, flow & expand
around the builders
configuring a form that contains the most angles
to hold the most honey
for the least comb
in wax vats with a cant
to prevent any spilling out
the rare fabric of hexagonal cells
bears weight & stress
with an equality that relates
to the bees themselves
comb
of global orders
there are no architects, no blueprints
only genetic codes rules & feedback loops
disciplining the final form
guiding each construction
bees are mechanics & heat engineers
warming thermoplastic wax into structures
that grow, flow & expand
around the builders
configuring a form that contains the most angles
to hold the most honey
for the least comb
in wax vats with a cant
to prevent any spilling out
the rare fabric of hexagonal cells
bears weight & stress
with an equality that relates
to the bees themselves
comb
(I)
a parabola
combining
chemistry
geometry
& mathematics
(II)
a tradition
a rite
of fabrication
producing
osmosis
W. Eric Kelsey, The Spell of the Honey-Bee
laws of equilibrium
advantages of economy
there is no bee expertise
only physical laws :
cells are circles
which like bubbles
become hexes
when they touch
all things being
equal & mutual
deviations from true form
although bees strive for
perfect symmetrical cells
perfect symmetrical cells
are few & far between
T. W. Cowan, The Honey Bee
Bert Hölldobler & Edward O. Wilson, The Superorganism: The Beauty, Elegance, and Strangeness of Insect Societies; D'Arcy Thomson, On Growth and Form; Pappus the Alexandrine; Jeremy Taylor
.