"Between Original and Reproduction:
The Art of Making Copies - from D(uchamp) to D(NA)"

The University Museum, The University of Tokyo presents:
Special Exhibition XII from collections in The University of Tokyo



(6)


31 Replica preserved original shapes and texture.

Models for mineralogical specimens ultimately exist in order to preserve their shapes and texture. Any replicas are made with molding from the original. Those shapes are to be conserved as only academic information. Plaster replica models which were produced by Krantz Co. of Germany in the 19th century rely on their value according if they have specimen labels or not. Such documentation is so important that lack of labels makes the model mere mass of plaster.

31-1 Replica of the world largest mass of Platinum, Plaster with whitegold gilt, L:18.0 at longest, W:8.0 at widest, Krantz Germany, 1850-1872, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
This replica has no label, however, it must be made by Krantz Co. as well as the replica of golden massive. According to the record of Krantz Co., it was probably made based on the platinum massive weighing 9.623 kilograms, which was dug from Tagilsk mine in the Ural, Russia.

31-2 Replica of the world largest mass of gold, Plaster with gold gilt, Labeled "Modell von der grossten im Seifenwerk von Miask im Ural am 26 Oct, 1842 gefundenen 87pf. Schweren Goldmasse, nach dem Original in der Sammlung des Bergcorps in St. Petersburg. Dr. Krants in Bonn", L:36.0 at longest, Germany, Krantz Co., 1850-1872, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
According to the label, the original was found at Miask Mine in the Ural Mountains on October 26th of 1842. It weighed 87 pounds (= about 43.5 kilograms). It had been the world greatest golden massive belonging to Miners Corporation of St. Petersburg until the 214.32 kilograms gold massive was found in New South Wales of Australia in 1872. The model was made by Dr. Adam August Krants, who established mineral specimens company in Freuberg, Germany in 1833. He moved to Berlin in 1837 and opened the company in Bonn in 1850. Later the company was managed by family members and still exists in Bonn as Dr. Frantz Rheinisches Minealien-Kontor GmbH & Co. KG. According to this company, the gold massive was sold during 1850-1872. (by NAKAMURA Takenori)

31-3 Replica of the world largest mass of gold, Plaster with gold gilt without label, L:36.0 at longest, Germany, Krantz?, 1850-1872, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT

31-4 Iron meteorite, Gibeon, Namibia, Wt:25.0 kilograms, discovered in 1838, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
The iron meteorite found in Gibeon, Namibia weighs 25.0 kilograms. Meteorites are named after the place of fall. Gibeon is located Mamaqualand, Namibia, Africa (25'20" S, 18'E). The Gibeon impact happened sometime prehistoric. The Gibeon Meteorite was first reported around 1838. Later, many masses between 100 and 500 kilograms were recovered. Meteorites may be classified according to composition as irons (siderites), stony irons (siderolites), and stones (aerolites). Iron meteorites are classified in two ways; one is Structural class and the other is Chemical class. The Gibeon Meteorite is fine octahedrite with Widmanstatten of Structural class and group IV-A of Chemical class. T(by TSUTSUI Yayoi)

31-5 Replica of Iron meteorite 31-4, Colored plastic, Made in Japan, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
　
31-6 Replica of Iron meteorite, Plaster, Labeled:"Meteoreisen, Modell der bei Sareta in Russland gefallenen Masse", L:25.0, W:23.0 Made in Germany, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
According to the label, this replica was made based on the iron meteorite which fell in Sareta in Russia. It was purchased from Krantz Company in Germany during Meiji era (1868-1912).


32 When diamond replicas emerge

Please confer to the abstract of the thesis titled "When diamond replicas emerge" by MATSUDA Akira in Chapter VI.

32-1 Models of the celebrated large Historical Diamonds Collection, Glass, England, 1873-93, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT
With the Reference of Crystal Replica of the same collection, Germany, 2000

① Great Mogul, Wt:279 carats
This is the greatest diamond as a product of India. The ore, which was discovered around 1630-1650, weighed 787.5 carats. It was cut into rose-shape and the rest of them are unknown.

② Stewart Diamond ore, Wt:288.3/8 carats, Labeled:"Found in 1873 at Waldek's Plant, Vaal River, S.Africa"
It was discovered around 1630-1650. The ore was discovered in the Waldek's Plant Vaal River in 1873.

③-A) Star of the South Diamond ore, Wt:254.1/2 carats

③-B) Star of the South, Wt:125.0
Labeled:"Found by a negress in 1853, at Bogagem, in the province of Minas Geres, Brazil. Exhibited in the Dutch Section at the Exhibition, 1862.

④ Orloff, Wt:194.1/2carats, Labeled:"Formerly in the eye of an Idol in India, from whence it was stolen by a soldier. It afterwards came into the possession of the Empress Katharine."
Orloff was formerly in the eye of an Idol in India, and it was stolen by a soldier. It afterwards came into the possession of the Empress Catharine of Russia (b.1762-d.1796.)

⑤ Sancy, Wt:53.1/2 carats, Labeled:"Formerly belonged to Prince Paul Demidoff, lately purchased by Sir Jamsetjee Jegeebhoy."
Sancy was handed to so many possessors since 1477. In 1695, it was possessed by Louis XIV and stolen during French Revolution. In 1867, it was displayed in Paris EXPO. After that it became missing again.

⑥ Replica of Eugeny, Glass, Wt:51.0 carats
At first, the Empress Catharine of Russia gave Grigory Poctemkin the gem and it was handed down to his family. Later Napoleon III purchased it and gave it his consort. She named it Eugeny.

⑦ Green, Wt:48.1/4 carats, Labeled:"In the Green Vaults at Dresden."
Green was a product of India.

⑧ Polar Star, Wt:40.1/4, Labeled:"Belongs to Russia."

⑨ Shah, Wt:86.0 carats, Labeled: "Belongs to Russia."
Shah was possessed by Russian Royal Family. Its shape is impure prism. Its length is 3.9 cm and the width is 2.0 cm. It weighed 95 carats at first. It was recut.

⑩ Star of South Africa, Wt:46.1/2 carats, Labeled: "Found in 1869. The property of the Countess of Dudley."
Star of South was discovered in South Africa in 1869. The ore weighed 46.1/2 carats.

⑪ Mr. Hope's Blue, Wt:44.1/2 carats, Labeled: "Now the property of the Duchess of Newcastle."
The Hope diamond, a deep-blue diamond of 44.5 carats, most likely came originally from India. It is now in the gem collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

⑫ Florentine, Wt:139.1/2 carats, Labeled: "Belongs to Austria."
Florentine was cut into double rose shape and now is in a palace in Vienna, Austria.

⑬ Mr. Dresden's, Wt:76.1/2 carats, Labeled: "Sold to Sir Jamstjee Jegeebhoy, now the property of the Guicewar of Baroda."
In 1857, its was discovered in Brazil. The ore weighed 119.5 carats. It came to the possession of English Dresden and named after Dresden.

⑭-A) Kohinoor, Before-cutting Wt:186.1/16 carats, Labeled: "Presented to Queen Victoria by East India Company."
Kohinoor was probably the oldest diamond from India and presented to Queen Victoria by East India Company.

⑭-B) Kohinoor Recut, Wt:102.13/16 carats, Labeled: "Belongs to Her Majesty Queen Victoria."
Kohinoor was recut in 1852 and now belongs to the House of Windsor (British Monarchy).

⑮ Nassuc, Wt:89.3/4 carats, Labeled: "Belongs to Marquis of Westminster. It was sold by Auction in 1820 for £7,200."
Nassuc used to belong to Nassuc Temple in India. It was sold by Auction in 1820, and it belonged to Marquis of Westminster. Later a company in the United States obtained it. Now it is recut and weighs 43.38 carats.

⑯ Regentof Pitt, Wt:136.3/4 carats, Labeled: "Bought for £135,000. Belongs to France."

⑰ Pigott, Wt:82.1/4, Labeled: "Sold by lottery the beginning of this century. Now belongs to the Pasha of Egypt, who gave £30,000, for it."
In 1775, Sir Pigott brought this diamond from India.


33 Ultimate Imitation

Among the various reproductive techniques, the method to imitate not only shapes but also its components is called imitation, to distinguish from reproduction. Because basic analysis of the elements and components should have been done to imitate, imitation of the model itself directs to the results of the study. The expedition team of the University of Tokyo led by Dr.ONUKI Yoshio (b.1937-) excavated some golden items from Kuntur Wasi Culture site in South Peru in 1989. They are artifacts buried together with dead bodies and the following research indicated them dated back to 800 B.C. Therefore, they are much valuable as the oldest gold artifacts of Kuntr Wasi in the continents of America. The material gold might be used of gold dust in the upper Amazon. It is not genuine gold. Moreover, because it is proved that each part has different fineness, its components are also imitated.

33-1 Replica of Gold Crown decorated with fourteen human faces, Gold compounds, Tomb No.1, Kuntur Wasi phase (800 B.C.), L:46.5, H:18.0, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT
The original of this gorgeous golden crown was buried with the body of a man at the age around sixty in the squatted burial style. He was assumed to be about 154 cm tall and slender but muscular. He was also assumed to suffer from pyorrhea alveolaris.

33-2 Replica of Gold Crown decorated with five jaguar faces, Gold compounds, Tomb No.2, Kuntur Wasi phase (800 B.C.), L:48.0, H:13.5, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT
When the original crown was unearthed from the Tomb No.2, some parts of a skull remained inside the crown. From this fact, it is considered that the body was buried with the crown on the head. The body was a male over sixty years old and was assumed to be suffering from auricle tumor. Because he had four piled golden ornaments, he was supposed to be an important person.

33-3 Replica of 2 Gold Ornaments, Gold, Tomb No.2, Kuntur Wasi Culture (800 B.C.), L:18.0, H:9.5, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT

33-4 Replica of Gold Ornaments with Twin design, Gold compounds, Tomb No.2, Kuntur Wasi phase (800 B.C.), L:21.5, H:14.0, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT

33-5 Replica of 2 Golden Breastplates, Gold compounds, Tomb No.2, Kuntur Wasi phase (800 B.C.), L:17.5, H:6.0, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT

33-6 Replica of a pair of Gold Ear-ornaments gold compounds Tomb No.3, Kuntur Wasi Culture (800 BC), Dia:7.0, H:3.5, Department of Cultural Anthropology, UMUT
In the Tomb No.3, a man at the age of thirties or forties was buried. He had some cavities and wore ear-ornaments in pierce style.


34 Handing down important cultural heritage to the next generation using reproduction.

To reproduce replicas, observation and recording of the present status of the original with photographing are done at first. Then, the modeling starts. First, the original is entirely pasted with tinfoil not to touch silicone directly. Next, silicone is applied as the inside mold and then resin is applied over it as the outside mold. At this point, reinforcements are used if it is necessary, and the mold is made to be able to be divided into back and forth. Next, both inner and outer molds are removed and the original is taken out. This original is cleaned up and inspected thoroughly comparing to before molding. In the next stage, the both inside and outside mold are formed with glass fiber reinforcement. After hardened, removed from the female mold and the cast with resin is taken out. Finally, the reprica is fully checked and the ooze out points on the connections is taken off. Coloring with water-based acrylic-resin paints or pigments represents its appearance as the same as the original in color tone and materials.

34-1 Replica of the Head of Buddha, National Treasure belonging to Kohfukuji, Nara, Resin (mainly epoxy-based), H:98.2, Produced by KYOTO KAGAKU CO., LTD, Kyoto Kagaku Collection,

34-2 Jar, registered Important Cultural Property, Mukogaoka Shell Mound, Tokyo, Pottery, Dia:8.4/22.7, H:22.0, Late Yayoi Period (2nd century A.D.), Department of Anthropology and Prehistory, UMUT (DO.6990)
This is one of the excellent objects among numerous academic specimens in the University Museum. It is unearthed from the shell mound of Yayoi-cho in Hongo (Campus of Faculty of Agriculture), and considered to be the No.1 object after which "Yayoi Pottery" or "Yayoi Period" is named. Three replicas have been manufactured already on the different intention, purpose, and time. Therefore, replicas, including what manufactured at this time, cannot be explained with one word "reproduction".

34-3 Replica of Jar 34-2, First state, Resin (mainly epoxy-based), Produced by KYOTO KAGAKU CO., LTD, Department of Anthropology and Prehistory, UMUT
This is shown at the process before coloring.

34-3 Replica of Jar 34-2, Final version, Resin (mainly epoxy-based), Produced by KYOTO KAGAKU CO., LTD, Department of Anthropology and Prehistory, UMUT
This replica is made to preserve its present state in 2001 for the future generation.


35 Copies have purposes.

When replicas or reproductions are made in academic circumstance such as universities and museums, it should have a clear purpose. One possible purpose making reproduction as spare in case of breakage or loss. Another When replicas or reproductions are made in academic situations such as universities and museums, it should have a clear purpose. One possible purpose making reproduction as spares in case of breakage or loss. Another is as preparatory device (for the educational study). Sometimes replicas are displayed instead of originals to avoid damage. Today it becomes a kind of custom that institutions keep the replicas of academic specimens like archaeological artifacts when they return their originals to the governments that give the permission to excavate.

35-1 Phallic object (1), Marble, L:12.4, W:4.9 at the widest, H:4.3, Dongjing-cheng, Bohai, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology & Faculty of Letters, UT

35-2 Replica of Phallic object (35-1), Colored clay, L:12.4, W:4.9, H:4.3, 1933-1939, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology & Faculty of Letters, UT

35-3 Phallic object (2), Ceramic, L:13.4, W:4.6, H:4.6, China, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology & Faculty of Letters, UT

35-4 Replica of Phallic object (35-2), Colored clay, L:14.6, W:4.6 at the widest, H:4.6, 1933-1939, School of Humanities and Sociology, Faculty of Letters, UT

35-5 Replica of the Chinese Ceramic Phallic Object, Painted on casted plaster, L:14.9, W:4.5 at the widest, H:4.0, 1933-1939, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology & Faculty of Letters, UT

35-6 Phallic Object, Tortoiseshell-like Celluloid, L:12.0, W:3.8, H:3.5, 1933-1939, date unknown, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology & Faculty of Letters, UT
Six phallic objects, which contain four replicas, are owned by the department of archaeology, Faculty of letters, the University of Tokyo. Specimen No.1, which is made of marble, was bought when Dongjing-cheng, the capital of Bohai, was excavated in 1933 and 1934. It was said to have been found at the ruins of the palace. In the report published in 1939, this object was presumed to have been used as a dildo, not a magical symbol. Specimen No.2 is a plaster replica of Specimen No.1. While Specimen No.3 and Specimen No.4, which are made of ceramic and plaster respectively, are presumed to have been modeled on a same original made of stone (serpentine?), Specimen No.5, which is made of plaster, is presumed to have been modeled on an original made of green glazed ceramic. These replicas were shaped with molds. Specimen No.6, which is a modern product made of celluloid, is a dildo known to have existed as far back as the Edo period. As little research on dildos has been done in Japanese archaeology, these phallic objects have rarely been discussed. (By TAKAHASHI Ken)


36 Craftsmanship and Digital technology

The use of models in teaching is effective for the students to understand technical knowledge by terms and charts with concrete objects substantially. Especially, in the field which treats conceptional matters such as mathematics, materialization with figure models works effectively. In the 19th century, many models of surfaces in geometry and functions were made in Germany. Because those models were interesting in their pure abstract shapes, they enlightened those who were called Dadaists and surrealists after the World War I, and gave an opportunity to originate avant-garde arts ("objet"). Realization of mathematical objects as plaster models required highly developed artistry skills. It is same as in even modern technology as far as our experimentation realizes reproduction of three-dimensional information and virtual geometric figures in the limited simpler class.

36-1 Model of Kuen's Surface made under the direction of Dr. Alexander von Brill (b.1842-d.1935), Professor of mathematics at the Technische Hochschule in Munich, Plaster, H24.0 x W18.0, Martin Schilling in Germany, 1882, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, UT
This model stands for an example of surfaces constant negative curvature.

36-2 Model of Surface of Revolution of Constant Negative Curvature made under the direction of Dr. Alexander von Brill (1842-1935), Professor of mathematics at the Technische Hochschule in Munich, Plaster, H:13.0, W:21.0, Martin Schilling in Germany, 1877, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, UT
This surface of revolution of hyperboloid type is one of the well-known examples of surfaces with constant negative curvature.

36-3 Model of Jacobi's Elliptic Integral made under the direction of Dr. Alexander von Brill (1842-1935), Professor of mathematics at the Technische Hochschule in Munich, Plaster, H:19.0, W:25.0, D:35.0, Martin Schilling in Germany, 1880, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, UT
This is the model of the Jacobi's elliptic integral. Horizontal axes correspond to the variables u and k of the amplitude function, which is the inverse function of the elliptic integral.

36-4 Generalized Helicoid of Negative Constant Curvature made under the direction of Dr. Alexander von Brill (1842-1935), Professor of mathematics at the Technische Hochschule in Munich, Plaster, H:24.0, W:15.0, Martin Schilling in Germany, 1880, Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, UT.
This is a surface of constant negative curvature obtained by the revolution of the tractrix along a spiral.

36-5 Three-dimensional digital representation using a 3D laser range sensor Computer Vision Laboratory, Institute of Industrial Science, UT


37 Copy and repetition of vision

Mirrors, which have been close to human beings from ancient times, are the tools to reflect an object as a virtual image before our eyes. We focus our eyes on the mirror when looking at it, and the moment we turn our eyes away, we are sometimes surprised at the mysterious reflection, distortion, and repetition of the virtual image. It is at a moment like this that we carry our thoughts to deep meaning of mirrors. Kaleidoscopes are the very suitable instruments to catch a glimpse of what is said the world of repeatedly copied virtual images in mirrors. (by ISHII Rie)

37-1 10 Kaleidoscopes, Acrylic resin box, L:10.0, W:10.0, D:10.0, made by ISHII Rie


38 Today's Mechanical Reproduction and Cultural Assets - Possibility of Digital Copy

Recently, application technology of digital images has been developed remarkably. The traditional mechanical reproduction such as photograph and printing always need something to support even though it archives high standards. In this meaning, it cannot reproduce something identical. On the contrary, the digital images can theoretically produce the identical virtual images as much as necessary. Digital technology is driving away reproductive culture, which have flourished since the birth of photography, as early modern heritage. It is also developing new phase of possibility in mechanical reproduction.

38-1 Reproduction of Portrait of MINAMOTO no Yoritomo (b.1147-d.1199) in Jingo-ji Temple by FUJIWARA Takanobu (b.1142-d.1205), Photographic reproduction, Framed, 126.0 x 89.0, Sealed with Tokyo Imperial University Library, Labeled: Tokyo Imperial University Library, Donation of MURAYAMA Ryuhei (b.1850-d.1933), October 28, Taisho-3 (1914)", Department of Art History, UMUT
It is educational reproduction for Japanese art history course. Photographic reproduction is now common, however, it must be a valuable material at that time. Its surface has splits due to the dryness, and poorly repaired.

38-2 Digital Reproduction of 38-1 at the time of photographic reproduction, Paper on panel, 126.0 x 89.0, 2001, Strategic Products Development Center, Hitachi, Ltd.
This is "real" reproduction as restoring of the damaged parts.

38-3 Digital Reproduction of 38-1 at the time of the picture first taken, Paper on panel, 126.0 x 89.0, 2001, Hitachi, Ltd.
This is "virtual" reproduction as closed to the original after the cleaning of the photograph's fading due to passing time.

In recent years, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo addresses to renovate a new museum, which enables to exhibit valuable properties in digital forms to wider audience by establishing a digital museum with the advanced technology. Since it is essential to represent the true beauty of the cultural and natural properties by creating the state-of-the-art digital replica, Hitachi, Ltd. has developed a key technology, DIS (Digital Image System: The total solution for digital image processing and its applications). In this paper, the DIS applications for museum will be discussed through the digitization of "Candra (Gatten)" at Shincho-ji temple and a Japanese national treasure "Picture Scroll of the Tale of Genji" at the Gotoh Museum. In addition, the digitalization of the replica of "Portrait of Minamoto Yoritomo″ at The University Museum, The University of Tokyo will be discussed as well. (by KAMIUCHI Toshiro, IKESHOJI Nobuo, MOCHIMARU Yoshiaki, and HONDA Koichi)


39 In the world of Nature, substances repeat self-copy. - Copying in the world of minerals

The crystal is the substance which consists of atoms arranged regularly and in cycles, so the crystal has the form surrounded plans regularly. In these circumstances, its arrangement of atoms is "copied" regularly. The perfect form of crystals has amazed many people from old times: Nature has composed geometrical solids before the birth geometry, or of the human beings themselves. On the other hand, the forms of crystals are full of variety. And, a kind of mineral often various forms of crystals, that is, although the one is made up by the same arrangement of the same kinds of atoms, it has different forms. The crystals, however, have only simple arrangement of atoms. The complex variety of outer forms is made up from the simpler inner structure. The nature realizes marvelous copying most efficiently. (by NAKAMURA Takenori)

39-1 Mineralogical Models of Crystal Forms (about 210), Woodblock, Made in Germany, End of 19th century, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT

39-2 Mineralogical Models of Crystal Forms, woodblock in a wood cabinet, L:30.5, W:43.5, H:24.7, Made in England, July of 1875, Department of Mineralogy, UMUT


40 Mimicry as a survival strategy - Organisms are highly efficient copy machines

In nature, some creatures try to survive, showing themselves as if they were more powerful and vital something. Imitating the appearance of poisonous insects and following to their active patterns, they avoid predatory creatures like birds. Generally, such survival strategy is called mimicry. This phenomenon is often recognized in insects. Physiological phenomenon of copying the appearance enables continuity of species.

40-1 Pressed Specimens of Butterflies, from The Pressed Specimens of Butterflies and Moths, Book, H:27.0, Gifu, The Industrial Department of The Nawa Entomological Laboratory, 1909
* Gunonia asterie
* Gunonia orithija

40-2 Insects mimicking bees, cased, the National Science Museum
* Vespa analis insularis
* Vespa simillima xanthoptera
* Polistes rothneyi iwatai
* Eumenes fraterculus Orancistrocerus drewseni
* Monoceromyia pleuralis
* Temnostoma bombylans
* Milesia undulata
* Milesia ishigakiensis
* Melittia nipponica
* Parenthrene pernix
* Xylotrechus chinensis
* Necydalis formosana matsudai

40-3 Butterflies mimicking poisonous butterflies, cased, the National Science Museum
−Papilio polytes polycles(Female, Type I)
−Papilio polytes polycles(Female, Type II, Yaeyama-type)
−Papilio polytes polycles(Female, Type II, Okinawa-type)
−Papilio polytes polycles(Male)
−Pachliopta aristolochiae
−Byasa alcinous(Female)
−Byasa alcinous(Male)

Papilio polytes mimicking Pachliopta aristochiae is one of the good models of mimicry. This phenomenon has two interesting points. The first, this mimicry is done only by female Papilio polytes. And the second, not all the females of Papilio polytes mimic Pachliopta aristochiae. The reason for these two points is explained by the theory of the cost of mimicry. Recently, in the Okinawa Islands, it has been observed that Papilio polytes mimicking Pachliopta aristochiae based on this theory. (by ABE Shuei)

40-4 Brood parasitism, Yamashina Institute for Ornithology
−Cetta diphone cantas
−Cuculus poliocephalus poliocephalus
−Emberiza cioides ciopsis
−Cuculus canorus telephones

Cuculus cuckoos are typical of brood parasites, which lay eggs into the nests of other birds and make the hosts of the nests breed their eggs. A particular female cuckoo lays one egg in one nest and it takes only a few seconds. Cuckoo eggs are larger in size and similar in color to host eggs. Cuckoo young eject host eggs or young from the nest by placing them onto the scrape of their back. All of these characteristics are adaptive and contribute to higher breeding success. Many of them evolved through interactions with host species. One female cuckoo may lay up to 25 eggs in one breeding season. This large number of eggs to be laid is probably due to the greater contribution of energy released from nesting and feeding into egg formation. (by INOUE Yasusuke)


41 Gene as copy machine/ a copied gene.

We human beings inherit gene over generations by copying it. Gene is indispensable information for living things to be what they are like. In that sense, gene can be said as a sort of plan of our body. This plan is expressed in a form of "character" such as A, T, C, and G, which exist inside the objects called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Our body is consisted of a trillion cells, and in each cell exists DNA that includes three hundred millions of "characters". We live as a copy machine in the sense that we give birth to children, and it is the "character" that actually works as a copy machine by giving down information to other generation. The mechanism and rule of the copy of characters are so simple that we can take advantage of it in our calculation. Now we employ the DNA's way of copying itself for a new type of computer. (by OMATA Hitomi)


* Underlined authors traslated their articles into English by themselves.



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