This is a corollary of synergy, and states that,
"the known behaviours of the whole plus the known behaviours of some of the parts may make possible discovery of the presence of other parts and their behaviours, kinetics, structures, and relative dimensionalities".
(Synergetics140.00)
In "Mind and Nature", Bateson, we have Presupposition 5:
"The division of the perceived universe into parts and wholes is convenient and may be necessary, but no necessity determines how it shall be done."
© Paul Taylor 2001