Mathematical Lorigami

Approximately fifty articles that were published in The Mathematical Intelligencer during its first eighteen years. The selection demonstrates the wide variety of attractive articles that have appeared over the years, ranging from general interest articles of a historical nature to lucid expositions of important current discoveries. Each article is introduced by the editors. "…The Mathematical Intelligencer publishes stylish, well-illustrated articles, rich in ideas and usually short on proofs. …Many, but not all articles fall within the reach of the advanced undergraduate mathematics major. … This book makes a nice addition to any undergraduate mathematics collection that does not already sport back issues of The Mathematical Intelligencer." D.V. Feldman, University of New Hamphire, CHOICE Reviews, June 2001.

This volume contains review articles and original results obtained in various fields of modern science using mathematical simulation methods. The basis of the articles are the plenary and some section reports that were made and discussed at the Fourth International Mathematical Simulation Conference, held in Moscow on June 27 through July 1, 2000. The conference was devoted to the following scientific areas: • mathematical and computer discrete systems models; • non-linear excitation in condensed media; • complex systems evolution; • mathematical models in economics; • non-equilibrium processes kinematics; • dynamics and structure of the molecular and biomolecular systems; • mathematical transfer models in non-linear systems; • numerical simulation and algorithms; • turbulence and determined chaos; • chemical physics of polymer.

The life and soul of any science are its problems. This is particularly true of mathematics, which, not referring to any physical reality, consists only of its problems, their solutions, and, most excitingly, the challenges they pose. Mathematical problems come in many flavours, from simple puzzles to major open problems. The problems stimulate, the stories of their successful solutions inspire, and their applications are wide.