Homunculus. Alchemical processes were symbolically illustrated using images of humans and animals inside of vessels. This contributed to the legend of the homunculus.[1] (Pretiosissimum Donum Dei 15th century.) Homunculus (masculine, Latin for "little man", plural: "homunculi"; from the diminutive of homo) is a term used, generally, in various fields of study to refer to any representation of a small human being. Popularized in sixteenth century alchemy and nineteenth century fiction, it has historically referred to the creation of a miniature, fully formed human. The concept has roots in preformationism as well as earlier folklore and alchemic traditions. History[edit] Folklore[edit] In Liber de imaginibus, Paracelsus however denies that roots shaped like men grow naturally.
The homunculus has also been compared to the golem of Jewish folklore. Preformationism[edit] A tiny person inside a sperm as drawn by N. Nicolas Hartsoeker "discovered" animalcules in the semen of humans and other animals. Chantal deMontigny: Artist. Elements of Design: Proportion and the Golden Ratio (Fashion Over Forty) The “golden ratio” has been a subject of fascination for artists and mathematicians for millenia. The golden ratio occurs in nature, and is a mathematical formula used by artists, designers, architects, and even musicians in creating beauty. What is this magic ratio? Technically it’s 1.1688. But for artistic uses it’s often simplified to this: 1:1.5, or a 2:3 ratio. The Swiss architect Le Corbusier, who applied the golden ratio (as well as the related Fibonacci sequence) in his work, believed the golden ratio naturally appeals to the human eye, and that people throughout time and space are drawn to it whether they know it as mathematical formula or not.
Corbusier’s idea is an intriguing one, and there’s ample evidence to support it. Architecture, art, and design of all media also use a 2:3 ratio in many applications for good aesthetics. In addition, well-proportioned clothing has historically been based on the golden ratio. Isn’t this fascinating? Sallymandy.