A sea-god in Greek mythology who was capable of changing his shape at will [Collins English Dictionary]. In Greek mythology, PROTEUS was the old man of the sea. He was the shepherd of the seaÕs flocks (seals, porpoises, etc.) and was said to know all things, past present and future. Proteus disliked telling what he knew and, to get information from him, he had to be caught during his midday siesta and bound with ropes. However, catching him was very difficult as Proteus could change his shape and take on any form at all - system evolution was very easy indeed! If he could be caught, Proteus would then answer any question. From this power of being able to assume any shape he pleased, Proteus came to be regarded as a symbol of original matter from which the world was created. His name was the basis of the English word protean meaning flexible or malleable.