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 33
... experiments can replace more costly ( or even deadly ) physical experiments - a development evolution has fa- vored . Engineering simulations simply extend this ability to imagine consequences , to make our mistakes in thought rather ...
... experiments can replace more costly ( or even deadly ) physical experiments - a development evolution has fa- vored . Engineering simulations simply extend this ability to imagine consequences , to make our mistakes in thought rather ...
Page 79
... experiments , but not so much as one might expect . Engi- neers today must perform many experiments because bulk technol- ogy is unruly . Who can say in advance exactly THINKING MACHINES 79.
... experiments , but not so much as one might expect . Engi- neers today must perform many experiments because bulk technol- ogy is unruly . Who can say in advance exactly THINKING MACHINES 79.
Page 148
... experiment ( someplace , sometime ) can prove something to be impossible ( everywhere , forever ) . Neither can any ... experiments and elegant mathematics again transform our concept of physical law , few engineering limits will budge ...
... experiment ( someplace , sometime ) can prove something to be impossible ( everywhere , forever ) . Neither can any ... experiments and elegant mathematics again transform our concept of physical law , few engineering limits will budge ...
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