Nothing in Biology makes sense without the flavour of Mathematics

Abstract

The elements of mathematical language are on the whole precise and unambigous. In the history of science, one can see that the development of any branch of science begins from the largely descriptive, goes on to become explanatory at the qualitative level, and finally becomes explanatory at the quantitative level. With the application of mathematical principles, physics made the transition from a qualitative to a quantitative science about 3 to 4 centuries ago; biology is making the transition now. Mathematical biology is today a fast growing, well recognized, albeit not clearly defined subject. To my mind, it is the most exciting modern application of mathematics.