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1. Determinism, in science, is the argument that the physical universe is completely described by its Physical Laws.
(This is not the exact same as the philosophical/metaphysical argument of determinism as found in some theological thought and even some politics. But there is a weak relationship between the two.)
But the nature of subatomic particles as studied in Quantum Mechanics shows that there is no possible model for a Physical Law that described the behavior being observed.
2. Let me give you a textbook to get you started, since I am assuming you have at least a background in Differential Equation's(Some PDE text only handle linear some PDE, and non-linear PDEs is treated with kids gloves.)
A basic text on the general theory is Perko's Differential Equations and Dynamical System's
(I think a person with just a back ground in ODE would not have a problem with this book!--However, you may need some things from Point-Set Topology because the book tends to skim over its treatment. Get a Schaum's outline and refer to it when necessary).
From here, you can actually begin to tackle Alan Turing's research directly(In fact, you should be able to tackle a whole lot more after 3 chapters of Perko's book).
Get your hands on any works by Turing's that looks at biological systems. Since the mathematics Turing is using is basically covered in Perko, the only thing left to do is to ask the question "Is it really necessary for an intention to lie behind the coupling of any two or more systems--especially given that the systems are so 'close' to each other to begin with?"
I am trying to find a specific paper on how cheetah's get their spots and another about how an appendage could have formed using simple yet coupled linear PDE's. That may take some time to dig up.
3)For the first part, in referring to Turing, all one has to ask is where do you get the necessary chemicals and compunds to form a computer out of salt?
Of course you could say "That is what I am asking!!" but you are making reference to two things with two entirely different chemical make ups. I mean, you can't go from, say NaCl to a Silicon compund just by shaking a salt shaker. Although there may have been attempts, Turing's work has largely been held to the Classical Framework such as Biological systems.
For the second part, there exist a famous example in the early history of Quantum Mechanics that is analogous to what I stated--
"How does a cannonball, shot point blank at a glass window, can land on the other side without shattering the glass?"
Right now, I am having some real problems recalling the experiment where the analogue takes place. I think it is is either related to the particle-wave nature of matter or how an highly energetic particle/photon can pass through a solid object without deflection.(I wonder if i one and the same)
Again, I have to get back to you on this one.
thank you for the book! may be i got an overview of it!
but if the book tells me that that a box of sand can be converted to a processor by shaking, i may ask the author to revise it!