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. |
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Page 187
... active shield , to distin- guish it from a fixed wall . Unlike ordinary engineering systems , reliable active shields must do more than just cope with nature or clumsy users . They must also cope with a far greater challenge - with the ...
... active shield , to distin- guish it from a fixed wall . Unlike ordinary engineering systems , reliable active shields must do more than just cope with nature or clumsy users . They must also cope with a far greater challenge - with the ...
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 ...
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