The Pulse of Creation: Aesthetic Pleasures of Electron Micrographs

This book evokes the aesthetic pleasures derived from viewing electron micrographs of submicroscopic objects in and around cells. The electron microscope is an instrument used primarily in scientific research that magnifies objects hundreds to thousands fold. Beyond the scientific value of the information contained in the images captured on 3 ¼ by 4 inch black-and-white negatives, the microscope also reveals the beauty of the submicroscopic inner world of cells that often match that of outer space.

While I took all of the photographs in this book for their scientific value, it is their naked splendor I display here. I trust you too will find many of the pictures beautiful, awesome, and stimulating. Accompanying each micrograph is a phrase or two written by my daughter, Galen Friend, which she was inspired to write, and my own brief identifications of the specimens photographed. We hope you now enjoy your walk through the celestial garden of the cell.