Earley, Joseph E.  "Self-Organization and Agency: In Chemistry and in Process Philosophy."  Process Studies 11, no. 4 (Winter 1981): 242-58.

Abstract

A compound individual should be considered one actual entity if, and to the extent that, particular percipients interact with that entity as a unified source of effective action.  This thesis is consistent with results of recent studies of self-organizing systems in chemistry and related fields, and with certain main concepts of Whitehead's 'philosophy of organism'.  It is not consistent with the usual interpretation of that system.  'Dissipative structures' are more generally applicable models of reality than are 'equilibrium structures', such as 'elementary particles'.  Recent scientific work is related to long-standing philosophical problems.  [Abstract from The Philosopher's Index]