This book explores the unifying principles that connect diverse fields within the study of complex systems. It compiles over 100 presentations from the First International Conference on Complex Systems, bringing together researchers from both hard and soft sciences to discuss topics such as evolution, emergence, self-organization, scaling, informatics, time series, the emergence of mind, and the engineering of complex systems. The collection aims to identify common threads and foundational concepts across these varied disciplines.

The collection represents a significant compilation of early work in the field of complex systems, stemming from a major international conference. The breadth of topics covered, from biological evolution to the emergence of mind and engineering applications, suggests a foundational text for interdisciplinary study. The inclusion of over 100 presentations indicates a comprehensive overview of the research landscape at the time of the conference, likely appealing to specialists and those seeking an introduction to the field's diverse applications.