Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of NanotechnologyIn 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 23
... RNA molecules . Picture a strand of RNA floating in a test tube together with copy- ing machines and RNA subunits . The strand tumbles and writhes until it bumps into a copying machine in the right position to stick . Subunits bump ...
... RNA molecules . Picture a strand of RNA floating in a test tube together with copy- ing machines and RNA subunits . The strand tumbles and writhes until it bumps into a copying machine in the right position to stick . Subunits bump ...
Page 24
... molecules replicate faster , and their kind dominates the mix . When resources run out , the experimenter can sample the RNA and start again ( and again , and again ) , holding conditions sta- ble . This experiment reveals a natural ...
... molecules replicate faster , and their kind dominates the mix . When resources run out , the experimenter can sample the RNA and start again ( and again , and again ) , holding conditions sta- ble . This experiment reveals a natural ...
Page 25
... RNA and protein from off - the - shelf chemicals , without help from life ... molecules about 4,500 subunits long . To replicate successfully , the DNA of ... RNA , viral genes , or human genes . The first kind of explanation is a blow ...
... RNA and protein from off - the - shelf chemicals , without help from life ... molecules about 4,500 subunits long . To replicate successfully , the DNA of ... RNA , viral genes , or human genes . The first kind of explanation is a blow ...
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