This volume derives from a workshop on differential geometry, calculus
of vari- ations, and computer graphics at the Mathematical Sciences
Research Institute in Berkeley, May 23-25, 1988. The meeting was
structured around principal lectures given by F. Almgren, M. Callahan,
J. Ericksen, G. Francis, R. Gulliver, P. Hanra- han, J. Kajiya, K.
Polthier, J. Sethian, I. Sterling, E. L. Thomas, and T. Vogel. The
divergent backgrounds of these and the many other participants, as
reflected in their lectures at the meeting and in their papers presented
here, testify to the unifying element of the workshop's central theme.
Any such meeting is ultimately dependent for its success on the interest
and motivation of its participants. In this respect the present
gathering was especially fortunate. The depth and range of the new
developments presented in the lectures and also in informal discussion
point to scientific and technological frontiers be- ing crossed with
impressive speed. The present volume is offered as a permanent record
for those who were present, and also with a view toward making the
material available to a wider audience than were able to attend.