Biomimicry and Nature-Inspired Artifacts
Biomimicry involves innovation inspired by nature — imitating biological designs or processes in human endeavors. In this expert set, our curators select artifacts from our collections that were inspired by the natural world.
Favrile Bowl, circa 1918
This iridescent glass bowl comprises a shimmering multitude of colors, mimicking the natural iridescence found on the wings of a dragonfly, or the mother-of-pearl coating of a seashell. — Katherine White, Associate Curator, Digital Content
Zenith Royal 555 Sun Charger Transistor Radio, 1965
Just as plants and algae harvest sunlight for their survival through photosynthesis, the solar cells in the handle of this radio convert light energy into stored battery power. — Kristen Gallerneaux, Curator of Communications & Information Technology
Violin, "The Siberian," by Antonio Stradivari, 1709
The elegant scroll of this violin suggests the curled fronds of certain ferns or the graceful swirl of a nautilus shell. Look around. The design often appears in nature — including spiral galaxies. — Jeanine Miller, Curator of Domestic Life
Electronic Toll Pass Holder, 2010
Figuring out the physics of a suction cup might have proved challenging for us humans, but marine life like octopuses and clingfish have had suction cups figured out for millions of years. Today, scientists study these animals in order to create stronger suction cups for a wide range of applications. — Ryan Jelso, Associate Curator, Digital Content
1951 Beatty Belly Tank Lakester Land Speed Race Car
Ask an engineer for the perfect aerodynamic form, and she'll likely point to the human teardrop. Fuel tanks like this used that shape to great effect — first on fighter planes and then as bodies on land speed cars. — Matt Anderson, Curator of Transportation
Wallpaper Sample, 1860-1880
The mimicry of nature here involves the use of the egg motif alternating with the dart or spear. Take a closer look, and you'll see that strategically located between the egg-and-dart bands are a series of lettuce-like acanthus leaves. — Charles Sable, Curator of Decorative Arts
Langstroth-Style Beehive, 1870-1920
Lorenzo L. Langstroth devised the most enduring beehive innovation with his 1852 patent for an “Improved Mode of Constructing Beehives.” Careful observation of bee behavior proved to him that frames had to be separated by 3/8th of an inch within the hive and between the frames and hive walls to allow space for bees to function. His mimicry of bees’ needs revolutionized beekeeping. — Debra A. Reid, Curator of Agriculture & the Environment
