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. |
From inside the book
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Page 17
... basic sorts of activities that they perform inside living cells . Starting with chemicals that can be made from ... basic functions , and ( 2 ) that parts serving these basic func- tions can be combined to build complex machines . Since ...
... basic sorts of activities that they perform inside living cells . Starting with chemicals that can be made from ... basic functions , and ( 2 ) that parts serving these basic func- tions can be combined to build complex machines . Since ...
Page 49
... basic laws most important to engi- neering - those describing normal matter - seem well understood . As with ... basic laws of a technology are known , future possibili- ties can be foreseen ( though with gaps , or Leonardo would have ...
... basic laws most important to engi- neering - those describing normal matter - seem well understood . As with ... basic laws of a technology are known , future possibili- ties can be foreseen ( though with gaps , or Leonardo would have ...
Page 119
... basic design . Just as the basic pattern of the DNA - RNA - protein system froze several billions of years ago , so the basic pattern of chemical signals and tissue responses that guides mammalian development jelled many millions of ...
... basic design . Just as the basic pattern of the DNA - RNA - protein system froze several billions of years ago , so the basic pattern of chemical signals and tissue responses that guides mammalian development jelled many millions of ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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ability able active shields arms artificial intelligence atoms automated engineering systems bacteria basic Biochemists biostasis bonds brain build cell repair machines Chapter chemical chines complex computers copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices discussion due process Earth electronic energy Engines of Creation entropy enzymes Eric Drexler EURISKO evolution evolved experiments fact forum faster future genes genetic hardware human hypertext ideas imagine knowledge layer lightsails limits to growth living Marvin Minsky material mechanical memes mental million mind molecular machinery molecular machines molecular technology molecules nanocomputers nanomachines nanotechnology natural neural nuclear organisms patterns possible predict principles problem protein machines replicating assemblers ribosomes Richard Dawkins RNA molecules Robert Ettinger robots rockets science court scientific scientists seems simple simulation space speed spread survive synapses technical technology race tion tissue viruses vitrification