The forms water creates out of its own movement show a great similarity to the forms of organs and structures within living organisms. Under certain conditions water will reveal within itself a fine membranous structure and a remarkable sensitivity to subtle influences. It is this sensitivity and water`s forming ability which is vital in all life processes.

          Theodor Schwenk made a life-long study of water. He wrote a wonderful exposé of its nature in ``Sensitive Chaos``(published 1962) and established the Institute for Flow Science in Herreschried, Germany.  His approach owed much to the science of J.W.von Goethe and its further development by Dr.Rudolf Steiner.

          It was while working with Schwenk at Herreschried that John Wilkes discovered the possibility of engendering rhythmical flow in suitably shaped vessels. This breathtaking moment came in April 1970 and launched the Flowform work which has since been pursued by John Wilkes and many colleagues around the world. Research into water quality continues at Herreschried and research developing the use of Flowforms is focussed at the Virbela Institute, Emerson College in Sussex.   Before we can be fully responsible as engineers in this area, it is clear that we must strive towards a true understanding of the wonderful formative processes which are always taking place in nature and of the origin of the subtle influences at work. Indeed, we need to further develop our understanding of the very nature of water. There are indications that by so doing considerable benefits could accrue in many areas. However, we can all act as responsible artists by bringing suitable qualities of water movement and sound to enliven our environment.