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 78
... brain's complexity , yet they can already run programs imitating significant aspects of human behavior . They differ totally from the brain in their basic style of operation , though , so direct physical comparison is almost useless . The ...
... brain's complexity , yet they can already run programs imitating significant aspects of human behavior . They differ totally from the brain in their basic style of operation , though , so direct physical comparison is almost useless . The ...
Page 132
... brains change . These changes affect the brain's function , chang- ing its pattern of activity : When we remember , our brains do some- thing ; when we act , think , or feel , our brains do something . Brains work by means of molecular ...
... brains change . These changes affect the brain's function , chang- ing its pattern of activity : When we remember , our brains do some- thing ; when we act , think , or feel , our brains do something . Brains work by means of molecular ...
Page 267
... brain death " ) would suggest . A variety of experiments employing drugs and surgery show this : Adult monkeys have completely recovered after a sixteen - minute cutoff of circulation to the brain ( a condition , called " ischemia ...
... brain death " ) would suggest . A variety of experiments employing drugs and surgery show this : Adult monkeys have completely recovered after a sixteen - minute cutoff of circulation to the brain ( a condition , called " ischemia ...
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