Ref#11: More on far-from-equilibrium conditions
' . . . . . matter acquires [fundamental new properties] in
far-from-equilibrium conditions: external fields, such as the
gravitational field, can be 'perceived' by the system . . .
The important point is that . . . . this mechanism
expresses an extraordinary sensitivity.
The sensitivity of far-from-equilibrium states to
external fluctuations is . . . . [an] example of a system's
spontaneous adaptive organization to its environment.'
Prigogine and Stengers, Order Out of Chaos,
163-165. (for example, the formation of Benard cells is very
much sensitive to, and dependent on, the existence of a
gravitational field [see chapter 5 of my book for more details]).
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