This textbook is aimed at newcomers to nonlinear dynamics andchaos, especially students taking a first course in the subject.The presentation stresses analytical methods, concrete examples andgeometric intuition. The theory is developed systematically,starting with first-order differential equations and theirbifurcations, followed by phase plane analysis, limit cycles andtheir bifurcations, and culminating with the Lorenz equations,chaos, iterated maps, period doubling, renormalization, fractals,and strange attractors. A unique feature of the book is itsemphasis on applications. These include mechanical vibrations,lasers, biological rhythms, superconducting circuits, insectoutbreaks, chemical oscillators, genetic control systems, chaoticwaterwheels, and even a technique for using chaos to send secretmessages. In each case, the scientific background is explained atan elementary level and closely integrated with the mathematicaltheory. Richly illustrated, and with many exercises and workedexamples, this
