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Graphic Expression of Concepts
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The disciplines of physical
chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry
and biochemistry use different methods to draw
molecules. This inhibits the development of
comprehensive understanding. A series of
illustrations were incorporated in a monograph
that resolved these differences. The objective
of the renderings was to create a visual
understanding of the relationships between the
general character of life, and images of
molecular chemistry. The focus was on those
molecules which regulate the level of general
activity of individual cells. By reviewing these
molecules with an absolute frame of reference,
the viewer can develop an intuitive impression of
this integrity. This view is consistent with the
observations of Cannon and Bonner, and was
developed during my postgraduate research with hibernating
animals, who regulate unique balances of common
physiological mechanisms.
The images on this page were scanned from
photocopies of pages drawn with Rapidograph pens
on linen in the 1970s. Since then, concepts derived
from this organization remain fresh despite the
familiarity of the individual effectors.
The most significant finding which can
be derived from these observations is an
understanding of the role of sleep at the
molecular level. Hypotheses derived from these
observations include assumptions about the
importance of relative and absolute autonomic
tone. Practical implications include the ability
to increase personal efficiency through the
conscious control of these parameters.
Steroid nomenclature has been adapted to
aliphatic chains to facilitate comprehension of
the dynamic relationships. Amines have been
rendered at the bottom right of each molecule,
wherever possible. Several dozen pages were drawn
which depict conventional well-documented
metabolic and anabolic cycles. The configuration
of receptor sites can be induced from these
comparisons. |
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interest in illustrations developed into many avenues.
While researching hypothermia at the
University of California Irvine Medical
Center Pediatrics Department, I also contracted as the
'Department Illustrator' for the Department of Plastic
Surgery. In addition to creating illustrations for
research articles, I also drew illustrations for
commercial packaging and brochures. At that time, I was
using a DEC PDP-11 for on-line data collection and analysis.
