Contents 



CHAPTER PAGE 



Preface v 



Preface to the Second Edition vii 



1 The Problem 1 



Behaviour, reflex and learned. Relation of part to part. 

 Genetic control. Restrictions on the concepts. Conscious- 

 ness. The problem. 



2 Dynamic Systems 13 



Variable and system. The operational method. Phase- 

 space and field. The natural system. Strategy for the com- 

 plex system. 



3 The Organism as Machine 30 



The specification of behaviour. Organism and environment. 

 Essential variables. 



4 Stability 44 



Diagram of immediate effects. Feedback. Goal-seeking. 

 Stability and the whole. 



5 Adaptation as Stability 58 



Homeostasis. Generalised homeostasis. Survival. Stability 

 and co-ordination. 



6 Parameters 71 



Parameter and field. Stimuli. Joining systems. Para- 

 meter and stability. Equilibria of part and whole. 



7 The Ultrastable System 80 



The implications of adaptation. The implications of double 

 feedback. Step-functions. Systems containing step- 

 mechanisms. The ultrastable system. 



8 The Homeostat 100 



The Homeostat as adapter. Training. Some apparent 

 faults. 



9 Ultrastability in the Organism 122 



Step-mechanisms in the organism. A molecular basis for 

 memory ? Are step-mechanisms necessary ? Levels of feed- 

 back. Control of aim. Gene-pattern and ultrastability. 

 Summary. 



