The Growth of a Crystal
Being the eighteenth Robert Boyle lecture
"The Growth of a Crystal" by Henry Alex Miers is a scientific publication delivered as the Eighteenth Robert Boyle Lecture before the Oxford University Junior Scientific Club in the early 20th century. This lecture explores the fascinating and intricate process of crystal growth, contrasting it with the growth of living organisms. Miers draws on historical perspectives and contemporary research to elucidate the nature of crystalline structures and their unique characteristics. In this lecture, Miers discusses various fundamental aspects of crystal growth, emphasizing its similarities and differences with biological growth. He presents experiments illustrating how crystals can grow from supersaturated solutions and explores the implications of these processes on our understanding of mineralogy. By using analogies to living systems, he highlights the stagnant yet fascinating life of crystals, which, unlike biological entities, do not adapt to their surroundings but persistently maintain their form. This thought-provoking lecture serves as a comprehensive examination of crystallography, inviting researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to engage with the wonders of crystal formation and its underlying principles.