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 7
... molecular machines found in bacteria . These protein machines , called restriction enzymes , " read " certain DNA sequences as " cut here . " They read these genetic patterns by touch , by sticking to them , and they cut the chain by ...
... molecular machines found in bacteria . These protein machines , called restriction enzymes , " read " certain DNA sequences as " cut here . " They read these genetic patterns by touch , by sticking to them , and they cut the chain by ...
Page 100
... molecules affect tissues at the molecular level , but they are too simple to sense , plan , and act . But molecular machines di- rected by nanocomputers will offer physicians another choice . They will combine sensors , programs , and ...
... molecules affect tissues at the molecular level , but they are too simple to sense , plan , and act . But molecular machines di- rected by nanocomputers will offer physicians another choice . They will combine sensors , programs , and ...
Page 155
... molecular machinery might be a step toward a smaller “ nuclear machinery " seems natural enough . One young man ( a graduate student in economics at Columbia Uni- versity ) heard of molecular technology and its ability to manipulate ...
... molecular machinery might be a step toward a smaller “ nuclear machinery " seems natural enough . One young man ( a graduate student in economics at Columbia Uni- versity ) heard of molecular technology and its ability to manipulate ...
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