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 22
... Imagine a molecule - per- haps regular in form , or perhaps lopsided and knobby like a ginger root . Now imagine a vast number of such molecules moving ran- domly in a liquid , tumbling and jostling like drunkards in weight- lessness in ...
... Imagine a molecule - per- haps regular in form , or perhaps lopsided and knobby like a ginger root . Now imagine a vast number of such molecules moving ran- domly in a liquid , tumbling and jostling like drunkards in weight- lessness in ...
Page 148
... imagine that new knowledge always means new know - how ; some even imagine that knowing everything would let us do anything . Advances in technology do indeed bring new know - how , opening new possibilities . But advances in basic ...
... imagine that new knowledge always means new know - how ; some even imagine that knowing everything would let us do anything . Advances in technology do indeed bring new know - how , opening new possibilities . But advances in basic ...
Page 178
... Imagine a bridge suspended from cables that fail randomly , each breaking about once a year at an unpredictable time . If the bridge falls when a cable breaks , it will be too dangerous to use . Imagine , though , that a broken cable ...
... Imagine a bridge suspended from cables that fail randomly , each breaking about once a year at an unpredictable time . If the bridge falls when a cable breaks , it will be too dangerous to use . Imagine , though , that a broken cable ...
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