Algorithmic Chemistry

Abstract

The pioneering work by Fontana and Buss, algorithmic Chemistry, resorts to lambda calculus to simulate entities with recursive properties . This theory is central to computation and is a good counterpoint to the universe of deterministic simulation of Conway’s automata . Objects interact with each other and, consequently, other objects—new or not—arise from this reaction and join the group. The possibility of introducing stochasticity and mutability to the objects gives greater biological realism to the system. Not only do stable entities emerge over time but—regardless of the initial composition of objects in the reactor—under certain conditions such entities converge towards stable, self-perpetuating structures . The world devised by Fontana and Buss helps us to reflect on the extent to which contingency and necessity are two equally important terms in biological evolution.