Methods

This book provides a comprehensive review of optical pattern recognition, covering theoretical aspects as well as details of practical implementations and signal processing techniques. The first chapter is devoted to pattern recognition performed with optical correlators. Later chapters discuss approaches based on neural networks, wavelet transforms and the fractional Fourier transform. The book also covers nonlinear filter methods and optical-electronic hybrid systems. The final part of the book deals with the devices and materials employed in modern systems, such as photorefractive crystals, microlasers, and liquid crystal spatial light modulators. The book gives many examples of working systems that integrate optics, electronics and computers, and it covers a range of developments from mathematical theories to novel optical materials. It will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers in optical engineering and machine vision.

Presenting a variety of topics that are only briefly touched on in other texts, this book provides a thorough introduction to the techniques of field theory. Covering Feynman diagrams and path integrals, the author emphasizes the path integral approach, the Wilsonian approach to renormalization, and the physics of non-abelian gauge theory. It provides a thorough treatment of quark confinement and chiral symmetry breaking, topics not usually covered in other texts at this level. The Standard Model of particle physics is discussed in detail. Connections with condensed matter physics are explored, and there is a brief, but detailed, treatment of non-perturbative semi-classical methods. Ideal for graduate students in high energy physics and condensed matter physics, the book contains many problems,which help students practise the key techniques of quantum field theory.

'Metaphor' is the phenomenon whereby we talk and, potentially, think about something in terms of something else. In this book Elena Semino discusses metaphor as a common linguistic occurrence, which is varied in its textual appearance, versatile in the functions it may perform, and central to many different types of communication, from informal interaction to political speeches. She discusses the use of metaphor across a variety of texts and genres from literature, politics, science, education, advertising and the discourse of mental illness. Each chapter includes detailed case studies focusing on specific texts, from election leaflets to specialist scientific articles. Also included is a detailed consideration of corpus (computer-based) methods of analysis. Wide-ranging and informative, this book will be invaluable to those interested in metaphor from a range of disciplines.

'Metaphor' is the phenomenon whereby we talk and, potentially, think about something in terms of something else. In this book Elena Semino discusses metaphor as a common linguistic occurrence, which is varied in its textual appearance, versatile in the functions it may perform, and central to many different types of communication, from informal interaction to political speeches. She discusses the use of metaphor across a variety of texts and genres from literature, politics, science, education, advertising and the discourse of mental illness. Each chapter includes detailed case studies focusing on specific texts, from election leaflets to specialist scientific articles. Also included is a detailed consideration of corpus (computer-based) methods of analysis. Wide-ranging and informative, this book will be invaluable to those interested in metaphor from a range of disciplines.

This study introduces 'time-specific' analysis of economic processes. Economic processes are conventionally analysed from one point in time to another over a series of time units - days, weeks, or years. By contrast, these time-specific models focus on the temporal character of events within the unit time - their timing, duration, and sequence - utilizing the information that is lost in the macroscopic time perspective of standard economic theory. What time-specific analysis reveals are economic and technological characteristics of goods and services - prices and cost behaviour and temporal mobility or immobility within the unit time - that affect capital productivity and its utilization, optimal schedules of production, work, and consumption, least-cost methods of producing time-shaped outputs, and efficient welfare-maximizing behavior in time-specific, including peak-load, markets.

Structural proof theory is a branch of logic that studies the general structure and properties of logical and mathematical proofs. This book is both a concise introduction to the central results and methods of structural proof theory, and a work of research that will be of interest to specialists. The book is designed to be used by students of philosophy, mathematics and computer science. The book contains a wealth of results on proof-theoretical systems, including extensions of such systems from logic to mathematics, and on the connection between the two main forms of structural proof theory - natural deduction and sequent calculus. The authors emphasize the computational content of logical results. A special feature of the volume is a computerized system for developing proofs interactively, downloadable from the web and regularly updated.

This book presents the salient features of the general theory of infinite electrical networks in a coherent exposition. Using the basic tools of functional analysis and graph theory, the author examines the fundamental developments in the field and discusses applications to other areas of mathematics. The first half of the book presents existence and uniqueness theorems for both infinite-power and finite-power voltage-current regimes, and the second half discusses methods for solving problems in infinite cascades and grids. A notable feature is the invention of transfinite networks, roughly analogous to Cantor's extension of the natural numbers to the transfinite ordinals. The last chapter is a survey of application to exterior problems of partial differential equations, random walks on infinite graphs, and networks of operators on Hilbert spaces.

Currency crises in Europe and Mexico during the 1990s provided stark reminders of the importance and the fragility of international financial markets. These experiences led some commentators to conclude that open international capital markets are incompatible with financial stability. But the pre-1914 gold standard is an obvious challenge to the notion that open capital markets are sources of instability. To deepen our understanding of how this system worked, this volume draws together recent research on the gold standard. Theoretical models are used to guide qualitative discussions of historical experience, while econometric methods are used to help the historical data speak clearly. The result is an overview of the gold standard, a survey of the relevant applied research in international macroeconomics, and a demonstration of how the past can help to inform the present.

Many phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology can be modelled by spatial random processes. One such process is continuum percolation, which is used when the phenomenon being modelled is made up of individual events that overlap, for example, the way individual raindrops eventually make the ground evenly wet. This is a systematic rigorous account of continuum percolation. Two models, the Boolean model and the random connection model, are treated in detail, and related continuum models are discussed. All important techniques and methods are explained and applied to obtain results on the existence of phase transitions, equality and continuity of critical densities, compressions, rarefaction, and other aspects of continuum models. This self-contained treatment, assuming only familiarity with measure theory and basic probability theory, will appeal to students and researchers in probability and stochastic geometry.

For 150 years scientists at the Rothamsted Experimental Station have studied aspects of plant nitrogen nutrition and amino acid biosynthesis. This book is the result of a meeting held to mark this century and a half of work there. The papers look at the significant progress in understanding the biochemistry of amino acids recently achieved, in the light of this history of research. Leading researchers from around the world have contributed authoritative chapters on protein amino acids, non-protein amino acids, betaines, glutathione, polyamines and other secondary metabolites derived from amino acids. As well as being essential in some animals' nutrition, these compounds can have important roles in defending against herbivores, insects and disease. An understanding of these compounds can help in devising better crop protection and production methods.

This guide to bioremediation in cold regions is designed to aid environmental practitioners, industry, and regulators in the remediation of petroleum spills and contaminated sites in cold regions. Remediation design and technology used in temperate climates does not necessarily work in cold climates, and cleanup takes longer due to shorter treatment seasons, sub-freezing temperatures, ground freezing and thawing, and limited bioactivity. Environmental engineers and scientists from eight countries working in the polar regions combine their experiences and expertise with petroleum contamination to write this book. It contains in-depth discussions on regulations, freezing and frozen ground, identification and adaptations of cold-tolerant bacteria, contaminant transport in cold soils and permafrost, temperature effects on biodegradation, analytical methods, treatability studies, and nutritional requirements for bioremediation. Emphasis is given to practical and effective bioremediation met

Certain nonlinear optimization problems arising in such disparate areas as the theory of computation, pure and applied probability and mathematical physics, can be solved by linear methods, provided one replaces the usual number system with one in which addition satisfies the idempotent law. This systematic study of the subject has emerged, triggered in part by a workshop organized by Hewlett-Packard's Basic Research Institute in the Mathematical Sciences (BRIMS), which brought together many leading researchers in the area. This volume is a record of that workshop, but it also includes other invited contributions, a broad Introduction to Idempotency, written specially for the book, and a bibliography of the subject. In sum, the articles cover both practical and more theoretical considerations, making it essential reading for all workers in the area.

Originally published between 1995 and 2007, this set is now available in paperback for the first time. This three-volume critical edition of John Webster's works preserves the original spelling of his plays, poetry and prose, and incorporates the most recent editorial scholarship, including invaluable information on Webster's share in the collaborative plays. It also employes new critical methods and textual theory. Volumes one and two are devoted to the plays. Unusually the edition integrates theatrical aspects of the plays with their bibliographical and literary features. The edition presents all of Webster's plays and provides a brief biography, an account of the Webster canon , illustrations and critical and theatrical histories of each play. Volume three includes writings by Webster in various genres, from the elegy to comic drama to a Lord Mayor's show.

These seminal essays introduce the reader to the interdisciplinary approach of New Testament scholarship which is affecting the way the Book of Acts is studied and interpreted. Insights from the social sciences, narratological studies, Greek and Roman rhetoric and history, and classics, set the Acts of the Apostles in its original historical, literary and social context; these methods of interpretation have not always been applied to biblical study in a systematic way. The discussions from a shared general perspective range over genre and method, historical and theological problems, and issues of literary criticism. History, Literature and Society in the Book of Acts is an interesting and valuable overview of some of the chief preoccupations of biblical studies with contributions from leading scholars in the Old and New Testaments and the history of antiquity.

This 2007 book concerns the vibration and the stability of slender structural components. The loss of stability of structures is an important aspect of structural mechanics and is presented here in terms of dynamic behavior. A variety of structural components are analyzed with a view to predicting their response to various (primarily axial) loading conditions. A number of different techniques are presented, with experimental verification from the laboratory. Practical applications are widespread, ranging from cables to space structures. The book presents methods by which the combined effects of vibration and buckling on various structures can be assessed. Vibrations and buckling are usually treated separately, but in this book their influence on each other is examined together, with examples when a combined approach is necessary. The avoidance of instability is the primary goal of this material.

The correct functioning of the mammalian brain depends on the integrated activity of myriad neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Discrete areas serve discrete functions, and dispersed or distributed communities of cells serve others. Throughout, these networks of activity are under the control of neuromodulatory systems. One goal of current neuroscientific research is to elucidate the precise methods by which these systems operate, especially during normal conscious behaviours and processes. Mircea Steriade and Denis Paré describe the neuronal properties and networks that exist within and between the cortex and two important sub-cortical structures: the thalamus and amygdala. The authors explore the changes in these properties, covering topics including morphology, electrophysiology, architecture and gating; and comparing regions and systems in both normal and diseased states. Aimed at graduates and postdoctoral researchers in neuroscience.

Charged particle imaging has revolutionized experimental studies of photodissociation and bimolecular collisions. Written in a tutorial style by some of the key practitioners in the field, this book gives a comprehensive account of the technique and describes many of its applications. The book is split into two parts. Part I is intended as a series of tutorials. It explains the basic principles of the experiment and the numerical methods involved in interpreting experimental data. Part II describes a number of different applications. These chapters are more directly research oriented, the aim being to introduce the reader to the possibilities for future experiments. This comprehensive book will be of primary interest to researchers and graduate students working in chemical and molecular physics who require an overview of the subject as well as ideas for future experiments.

Foraminifera and thecamoebians are highly sensitive to environmental stress (natural or anthropogenic). This feature means that they can be used to biologically characterize a variety of freshwater and coastal marine environments. Due to their small size and hard shells, large quantities are also found fossilised in core samples, making them ideal for reconstructing past environmental conditions. This volume covers the specific environmental applications of these organisms and contains an introduction to the subject, detailed descriptions of methods and techniques and case studies. Written for non-specialists, this book will appeal to resource managers and consultants in the public and private sector who routinely work on coastal environmental problems. The book will also serve as a supplementary text for graduate students in many courses on environmental monitoring, ecological baseline studies and environmental science.

This book was first published in 2007, a time of enormous change in the field of optical spectrometry. Although the basic optical principles remained unchanged, the design considerations were very different and, in many cases, more demanding. Developments in computer ray-tracing and computer-aided design coped with the extra impositions and allowed the construction of a new generation of spectrographs. The book covers the general principles of spectrographic design at the time, and the practical and engineering aspects of a broad range of spectrographs and spectrometers. The book deals with materials and methods of construction and includes suggestions for the choice of optical table, the design of slit mechanisms, and adjustable mirror, grating and lens mounts, with suggestions for the alignment and calibration of the finished instrument.

Rowntree and the Marketing Revolution, 1862–1969 is a major study in the history of marketing in economic development, in addition to being a history of a well-known international company. Marketing history remains a neglected field of study, yet Rowntree's commercial success has been the direct result of applied marketing methods and major advances in product development, branding and advertising. It is surprising that marketing and mass consumption has been so neglected; yet Rowntree was a marketing pioneer. The company had in addition a prominent role in questioning managerial organization, business culture, industrial relations, restrictive practices, and multinational business. This book offers a comprehensive account of a company and its industry, but pursues themes and seeks to answer areas of debate, illuminating the ways in which marketing contributed to the growth of an enterprise.

This book is a course in modern quantum field theory as seen through the eyes of a theorist working in condensed matter physics. It contains a gentle introduction to the subject and therefore can be used even by graduate students. The introductory parts include a derivation of the path integral representation, Feynman diagrams and elements of the theory of metals including a discussion of Landau–Fermi liquid theory. In later chapters the discussion gradually turns to more advanced methods used in the theory of strongly correlated systems. The book contains a thorough exposition of such non-perturbative techniques as 1/N-expansion, bosonization (Abelian and non-Abelian), conformal field theory and theory of integrable systems. The book is intended for graduate students, postdoctoral associates and independent researchers working in condensed matter physics.

This book is entirely devoted to the study of children's skeletons from archaeological and forensic contexts. It provides an extensive review of the osteological methods and theoretical concepts of their analysis. Non-adult skeletons provide a wealth of information on the physical and social life of the child from their growth, diet and age at death, to factors that expose them to trauma and disease at different stages of their lives. This book covers the factors that affect non-adult skeletal preservation; the assessment of their age, sex and ancestry; growth and development; infant and child mortality including infanticide; weaning ages and disease of dietary deficiency; skeletal pathology; personal identification and exposure to trauma from birth injuries, accidents and child abuse; providing insights for graduates and postgraduates in osteology, palaeopathology and forensic anthropology.

How can organizations ensure that they can get best value for money in their procurement decisions? How can they stimulate innovations from their dedicated suppliers? With contributions from leading academics and professionals, this 2006 handbook offers expert guidance on the fundamental aspects of successful procurement design and management in firms, public administrations, and international institutions. The issues addressed include the management of dynamic procurement; the handling of procurement risk; the architecture of purchasing systems; the structure of incentives in procurement contracts; methods to increase suppliers' participation in procurement contests and e-procurement platforms; how to minimize the risk of collusion and of corruption; pricing and reputation mechanisms in e-procurement platforms; and how procurement can enhance innovation. Inspired by frontier research, it provides practical recommendations to managers, engineers and lawyers engaged in private and publi

There is a certain body of knowledge and methods that finds application in most branches of fluid mechanics. This book aims to supply a proper theoretical understanding that will permit sensible simplifications to be made in the formulation of problems, and enable the reader to develop analytical models of practical significance. Such analyses can be used to guide more detailed experimental and numerical investigations. As in most technical subjects, such understanding is acquired by detailed study of highly simplified 'model problems'. The first part (Chapters 1-4) is concerned entirely with the incompressible flow of a homogeneous fluid. It was written for the Boston University introductory graduate level course 'Advanced Fluid Mechanics'. The remaining Chapters 5 and 6 deal with dispersive waves and acoustics, and are unashamedly inspired by James Lighthill's masterpiece, Waves in Fluids.

Revised and fully updated, the second edition of this graduate textbook offers a comprehensive explanation of the technology and physics of LEDs such as infrared, visible-spectrum, ultraviolet, and white LEDs made from III-V semiconductors. Elementary properties such as electrical and optical characteristics are reviewed, followed by the analysis of advanced device structures. With nine additional chapters, the treatment of LEDs has been vastly expanded, including new material on device packaging, reflectors, UV LEDs, III-V nitride materials, solid-state sources for illumination applications, and junction temperature. Radiative and non-radiative recombination dynamics, methods for improving light extraction, high-efficiency and high-power device designs, white-light emitters with wavelength-converting phosphor materials, optical reflectors, and spontaneous recombination in resonant-cavity structures are discussed in detail. With exercises, solutions, and illustrative examples, this tex

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

Geographical Information Systems has moved from the domain of the computer specialist into the wider archaeological community, providing it with an exciting new research method. This clearly written but rigorous book provides a comprehensive guide to that use. Topics covered include: the theoretical context and the basics of GIS; data acquisition including database design; interpolation of elevation models; exploratory data analysis including spatial queries; statistical spatial analysis; map algebra; spatial operations including the calculation of slope and aspect, filtering and erosion modeling; methods for analysing regions; visibility analysis; network analysis including hydrological modeling; the production of high quality output for paper and electronic publication; and the use and production of metadata. Offering an extensive range of archaeological examples, it is an invaluable source of practical information for all archaeologists, whether engaged in cultural resource manageme

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

Engineering and Product Development Management is a practical guide to the components of engineering management, using a holistic approach. It will help engineers and managers understand what they have to do to improve the product development process by deploying new technology and new methods of working in concurrent teams. The book takes elements from six well known and understood bodies of knowledge and integrates them into a holistic approach: integrated product development, project management, process management, systems engineering, product data management, and organizational change management. These elements are framed within an overall enterprise-wide architecture. The techniques discussed in this book work for both huge multinational organizations and smaller enterprises. The emphasis throughout is on practical tools which will be invaluable for engineers, managers, and consultants responsible for project and product development.

The translation of learned Latin materials into English between around 1370 and 1410 was a highly controversial activity. It was thought likely to make available to lay audiences the authoritative and intellectual information and methods of argument previously only accessible to an educated elite - and with that knowledge the power of information. Fiona Somerset's 1998 study examines what kinds of academic material were imported into English, what sorts of audience were projected for this kind of clerical discourse and how writers positioned themselves with respect to potential audience and opponents. The well-known concerns with clerical corruption and lay education of authors such as Langland, Trevisa, and Wyclif are linked to those of more obscure writers in both Latin and English, some only recently edited, or only extant in manuscript.

Correlation is a robust and general technique for pattern recognition and is used in many applications, such as automatic target recognition, biometric recognition and optical character recognition. The design, analysis and use of correlation pattern recognition algorithms requires background information, including linear systems theory, random variables and processes, matrix/vector methods, detection and estimation theory, digital signal processing and optical processing. This book provides a needed review of this diverse background material and develops the signal processing theory, the pattern recognition metrics, and the practical application know-how from basic premises. It shows both digital and optical implementations. It also contains technology presented by the team that developed it and includes case studies of significant interest, such as face and fingerprint recognition. Suitable for graduate students taking courses in pattern recognition theory, whilst reaching technical

The theory of polycyclic groups is a branch of infinite group theory which has a rather different flavour from the rest of that subject. This book is a comprehensive account of the present state of this theory. As well as providing a connected and self-contained account of the group-theoretical background, it explains in detail how deep methods of number theory and algebraic group theory have been used to achieve some very recent and rather spectacular advances in the subject. Up to now, most of this material has only been available in scattered research journals, and some of it is new. This book is the only unified account of these developments, and will be of interest to mathematicians doing research in algebra, and to postgraduate students studying that subject.

In this 1996 volume, Jerry D. Moore discusses public architecture in the context of the cultural, political and religious life of the pre-hispanic Andes. Archaeologists have invested enormous effort in excavating and documenting prehistoric buildings, but analytical approaches to architecture remain as yet undeveloped. Architecture and Power in the Ancient Andes uses analytical methods to approach architecture and its relationship to Andean society, exploring three themes in particular: the architecture of monuments, the architecture of ritual, and the architecture of social control. It provides both a methodology for the study of public architecture and an example of how that methodology can be applied. Jerry D. Moore's clear and richly illustrated discussion represents an original perspective on architecture and its role in ritual, ideology, and power in the ancient world.

Risk, Reliability, Uncertainty, and Robustness of Water Resource Systems is based on the Third George Kovacs Colloquium organized by the International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO) and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences. Thirty-five leading scientists with international reputations provide reviews of topical areas of research on water resource systems, including aspects of extreme hydrological events: floods and droughts; water quantity and quality dams; reservoirs and hydraulic structures; evaluating sustainability and climate change impacts. As well as discussing essential challenges and research directions, the book will assist in applying theoretical methods to the solution of practical problems in water resources. The authors are multi-disciplinary, stemming from such areas as: hydrology, geography, civil, environmental and agricultural engineering, forestry, systems sciences, operations research, mathematics, physics and geophysics, ecology and atmospheric s

Increasingly environmental scientists, palaeoceanographers and geologists are collecting quantitative records of environmental changes (time-series) from sediments, ice cores, cave calcite, corals and trees. This book explains how to analyse these records, using straightforward explanations and diagrams rather than formal mathematical derivations. All the main cyclostratigraphic methods are covered including spectral analysis, cross-spectral analysis, filtering, complex demodulation, wavelet and singular spectrum analysis. Practical problems of time-series analysis, including those of distortions of environmental signals during stratigraphic encoding, are considered in detail. Recent research into various types of tidal and climatic cycles is summarised. The book ends with an extensive reference section, and an appendix listing sources of computer algorithms. This book provides the ideal reference for all those using time-series analysis to study the nature and history of climatic and

Anthropometry is the measurement of human morphology, and is used in a wide range of applied and research contexts. In this volume, distinguished contributors including anthropologists, human biologists, physiologists, nutritionists and clinical scientists describe many of the ways in which anthropometry is used, and discuss problems associated with different methods of assessment. Topics include the measurement of growth asymmetry and variability in adult body size, measurement error and statistical issues in anthropometry and the construction and use of growth charts in growth monitoring. The use of anthropometry in assessments of body composition, physical performance and fitness is also discussed. The book will be of interest to graduates and researchers in human biology, anthropology and nutrition. It will also be useful to workers in sports medicine, ergonomics, orthopaedics and paediatrics.

Composites are used extensively in engineering applications. A constant concern is the effect of foreign object impacts on composite structures because significant damage can occur and yet be undetectable by visual inspection. Such impacts can range from the most ordinary at low velocity - a tool dropped on a product - to the hypervelocity impact of space debris on a spacecraft. This book explains how damage develops during impact, the effect of impact-induced damage on the mechanical behavior of structures, and methods of damage prediction and detection. Numerous examples are included to illustrate these topics. Written for graduate students, as well as researchers and practising engineers working with composite materials, this book presents state-of-the-art knowledge on impact dynamics while requiring only basic understanding of the mechanics of composite materials.

This collection of solved problems corresponds to the standard topics covered in established undergraduate and graduate courses in Quantum Mechanics. Problems are also included on topics of interest which are often absent in the existing literature. Solutions are presented in considerable detail, to enable students to follow each step. The emphasis is on stressing the principles and methods used, allowing students to master new ways of thinking and problem-solving techniques. The problems themselves are longer than those usually encountered in textbooks and consist of a number of questions based around a central theme, highlighting properties and concepts of interest. For undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those involved in teaching Quantum Mechanics, the book can be used as a supplementary text or as an independent self-study tool.

This collection of solved problems corresponds to the standard topics covered in established undergraduate and graduate courses in Quantum Mechanics. Problems are also included on topics of interest which are often absent in the existing literature. Solutions are presented in considerable detail, to enable students to follow each step. The emphasis is on stressing the principles and methods used, allowing students to master new ways of thinking and problem-solving techniques. The problems themselves are longer than those usually encountered in textbooks and consist of a number of questions based around a central theme, highlighting properties and concepts of interest. For undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those involved in teaching Quantum Mechanics, the book can be used as a supplementary text or as an independent self-study tool.

The origins of angiosperms are still debated, despite many years of work by scientists from differing disciplines. The progress made toward resolving the problem is reviewed in this book. The author suggests that the only fruitful method of study is the total integrated use of the fossil record, particularly dispersed palynomorphs. This includes the use of electron microscopy and refined data handling to record the occurrence of microscopic fossils, rather than the extensive use of morphology and cladistics. The methods advocated in this book could result in a rethink of the current classification of living plants. The ideas presented will initiate discussion between both professionals and students of palaeontology and plant science on the wider possibilities that may clarify the enigmatic origins of the dominant flowering plant groups.