All thermodynamic entropy is inherently chaotic and fractal and is determined by repetitive feedback (iteration) within kinetic energy gradients. Fractal patterns have been recognised as a primary characteristic of the natural world for at least 2,500 years (see Heraclitus quote, p.2). Nevertheless, such patterns were not explored in much detail until the early 1960’s when, with the aid of computers, meteorologist Edward Lorenz began to analyse the iterative and fractal nature of weather patterns. He presented his research in 1963 in a short, little-noted paper entitled “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?”. Lorenz’ proposition, which later became widely acclaimed as Chaos theory, has also become known as the Butterfly Effect. Extensive research has since revealed chaotic ‘order’ in such diverse phenomena as the folds in filo pastry, the dripping of taps and the beating of hearts. (Precisely regular heartbeats signal a life-threatening lack of bodily feedback: slightly chaotic heart-beats are synonymous with good health.)

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