Anatomy of 1,618

Abstract

‘Golden Ratio’ or ‘Golden Number’ otherwise known as the Divine Proportion (Phi), is a mathematical ratio with special properties and aesthetic significance. “Fibonacci" had described a number series that led to a significant upheaval in our understanding of mathematical aspects of nature. This sequence, namely Fibonacci Series or Sequence, constitutes an infinite chain of numbers starting with ‘0’ or ‘1’ and following as 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34… particularly implying that the sum of two consecutive integers equals the subsequent one. An enormous number of things in the universe are engineered around the ratio, ranging from the human body to the art of the covenant to snail shells to the orbits of the planets. It plays a vital role in the arrangement of petals in flowers, structure of DNA and various proportions in human face, structure of sea shells etc. Occurrence of this proportion in zoology is frequent, viz in the clock cycle of brain waves, in hearing and balance organ etc. The present review primarily aims to focus on human manifestations of divine aesthetics as demonstrated with ‘Golden Ratio’ and associated indiceswith a particular emphasis and detailed information on their association with the human body.

Key words: Golden ratio, golden number, human body, Fibonacci series

DOI: 10.7176/JSTR/5-4-02