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 6
... bonds that can bend or rotate , and so protein machines are unusually flexible . But like all machines , they have ... bond one kind of nucleotide to the chain ends , then wash away the leftover material and add chemicals to prepare the ...
... bonds that can bend or rotate , and so protein machines are unusually flexible . But like all machines , they have ... bond one kind of nucleotide to the chain ends , then wash away the leftover material and add chemicals to prepare the ...
Page 13
... bonds , but can guide these motions in ways that chemists can- not . Indeed , because chemists cannot yet direct ... bond the molecules together . By bonding molecule after molecule to the workpiece , the machine will assemble a larger ...
... bonds , but can guide these motions in ways that chemists can- not . Indeed , because chemists cannot yet direct ... bond the molecules together . By bonding molecule after molecule to the workpiece , the machine will assemble a larger ...
Page 19
... bonds , and of machines to control the process . The case for disassemblers rests on the ability of enzymes and chemical reac- tions to break bonds , and of machines to control the process . En- zymes , acids , oxidizers , alkali metals ...
... bonds , and of machines to control the process . The case for disassemblers rests on the ability of enzymes and chemical reac- tions to break bonds , and of machines to control the process . En- zymes , acids , oxidizers , alkali metals ...
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