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 18
... mechanical computer is scarcely new . In En- gland during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Count- ess of Lovelace , invented computer programming ...
... mechanical computer is scarcely new . In En- gland during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Count- ess of Lovelace , invented computer programming ...
Page 19
... mechanical signals move about 100,000 times slower than the electrical signals in today's machines , they will need to travel only 1 / 1,000,000 as far , and thus will face less delay . So a mere mechanical computer will work faster ...
... mechanical signals move about 100,000 times slower than the electrical signals in today's machines , they will need to travel only 1 / 1,000,000 as far , and thus will face less delay . So a mere mechanical computer will work faster ...
Page 247
... mechanical random - access memory scheme allows storage of only about 10 million bytes in the same volume , though this can probably be bettered . For a more detailed discussion , see " Molecular Machinery and Molecular Electronic ...
... mechanical random - access memory scheme allows storage of only about 10 million bytes in the same volume , though this can probably be bettered . For a more detailed discussion , see " Molecular Machinery and Molecular Electronic ...
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