At 01:24 PM 5/27/03 -0400, Mike Traynor wrote: <snipped>

...in a broader sense, the definition [of a fractal] is recognizing that we haven't yet formalized the description of the kinds of similarities fractals display. Fortunately, we've got a terrific pattern- recognizing computer that doesn't need to have things like "the same 'type' of structures" formalized. It is, of course, the human brain.

...which takes us back to my original statement that it is ultimately up to we human beings to decide what is and what is not a fractal. Jim M.