Structural Periodic Table ----- From the Chemical Periodic Table to the Origin of Life
The Periodic Table of Elements is one of the greatest achievements in modern science. It not only organized the known chemical elements, but also successfully predicted the existence of elements yet to be discovered. Yet a deeper question remains: Is periodicity unique to chemical elements, or does it reflect a more universal principle of structure?
This book proposes a new perspective — the Structural Periodic Table. It argues that patterns of structural recurrence may exist not only in chemistry, but also in mathematics, physics, and even biological systems. As system complexity increases, precise numerical periodicity gradually weakens, while more general forms of structural periodicity begin to emerge.
Starting from the Chemical Periodic Table, the book compares the developmental pathways of mathematical, physical, and chemical structures, and introduces a triadic structural framework of Point (•), Line (｜), and Circle (Ο). Through this framework, it seeks to establish a common structural language capable of crossing disciplinary boundaries.
Building upon this foundation, the book explores the continuous relationships among chemical elements, reaction networks, molecular configurations, and the emergence of life. It investigates how increasingly complex chemical structures may give rise to biological organization and asks why life can emerge from matter in the first place.
Rather than attempting to replace existing scientific theories, this work seeks to address a more fundamental question: Is there a common mechanism of structural generation underlying complex systems?
If the Periodic Table of Elements reveals the periodic order of the material world, then the Structural Periodic Table may reveal a broader structural order that underlies both nature and human knowledge.
This book is intended for readers interested in the philosophy of science, theoretical chemistry, complex systems, structural information modeling, and interdisciplinary theories of unification. It may also serve as a methodological reference for exploring the fundamental structural principles of chemistry and the origins of life.
This book proposes a new perspective — the Structural Periodic Table. It argues that patterns of structural recurrence may exist not only in chemistry, but also in mathematics, physics, and even biological systems. As system complexity increases, precise numerical periodicity gradually weakens, while more general forms of structural periodicity begin to emerge.
Starting from the Chemical Periodic Table, the book compares the developmental pathways of mathematical, physical, and chemical structures, and introduces a triadic structural framework of Point (•), Line (｜), and Circle (Ο). Through this framework, it seeks to establish a common structural language capable of crossing disciplinary boundaries.
Building upon this foundation, the book explores the continuous relationships among chemical elements, reaction networks, molecular configurations, and the emergence of life. It investigates how increasingly complex chemical structures may give rise to biological organization and asks why life can emerge from matter in the first place.
Rather than attempting to replace existing scientific theories, this work seeks to address a more fundamental question: Is there a common mechanism of structural generation underlying complex systems?
If the Periodic Table of Elements reveals the periodic order of the material world, then the Structural Periodic Table may reveal a broader structural order that underlies both nature and human knowledge.
This book is intended for readers interested in the philosophy of science, theoretical chemistry, complex systems, structural information modeling, and interdisciplinary theories of unification. It may also serve as a methodological reference for exploring the fundamental structural principles of chemistry and the origins of life.