Engines of CreationIn this original book about the consequences of new technologies, Drexler takes the reader through exhilarating new discoveries and the promise of those around the corner. Beginning with the insight that what we can do depends on what we can build, Drexler analyzes nanotechnology, which involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules. He makes a plausible case for expecting technological developments in artificial intelligence and molecular engineering that will result in tiny mechanisms being controlled by microscopic powerful thinking computers. He also explains how the new alternatives could be directed toward vital human concerns -- wealth or poverty, health or sickness, peace or war. ISBN 0-385-19972-4: $17.95. |
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Page 189
... active shields the same advantages over dangerous replicators . And they need not sit idle while dangerous weapons are amassed , any more than the immune system sits idle while bacteria multiply . It would be hard to predict the outcome ...
... active shields the same advantages over dangerous replicators . And they need not sit idle while dangerous weapons are amassed , any more than the immune system sits idle while bacteria multiply . It would be hard to predict the outcome ...
Page 197
... active shields . The shields we develop , in turn , must be designed to help us secure a future worth living in , a future with room for diversity . The second part of this strategy involves policies toward presently hostile powers ...
... active shields . The shields we develop , in turn , must be designed to help us secure a future worth living in , a future with room for diversity . The second part of this strategy involves policies toward presently hostile powers ...
Page 277
... shield is another matter . Until really good active shields become possible , the question is not one of making a nuclear attack harmless , but at best of making it less likely . P. 199. . . limiting technology transfer . . . In fact ...
... shield is another matter . Until really good active shields become possible , the question is not one of making a nuclear attack harmless , but at best of making it less likely . P. 199. . . limiting technology transfer . . . In fact ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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ability able active already arms assemblers atoms basic become better biostasis brain bring build called cell repair machines Chapter chemical complex computers consider copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices direct discussion Earth effect electronic energy engineering evolution evolved example exist fact force future genes give groups grow growth holds human hypertext ideas imagine institutions intelligence knowledge lead less light limits living machinery material matter means mechanical memes million mind molecular molecular machines molecules move natural organisms patterns possible present principles problem produce protect protein quantum mechanics reach reason remain replicators require seems selection shape simple solar space speed spread structures success suggest technical things thousand tion tissue understand universe