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
Results 1-3 of 77
Page 13
... molecules . Chemists have no direct control over the tumbling mo- tions of molecules in a liquid , and so the molecules are free to react in any way they can , depending on how they bump together . Yet chemists nonetheless coax reacting ...
... molecules . Chemists have no direct control over the tumbling mo- tions of molecules in a liquid , and so the molecules are free to react in any way they can , depending on how they bump together . Yet chemists nonetheless coax reacting ...
Page 22
... molecules moving ran- domly in a liquid , tumbling and jostling like drunkards in weight- lessness in the dark . Imagine the liquid evaporating and cooling , forcing the molecules closer together and slowing them down . Will these ...
... molecules moving ran- domly in a liquid , tumbling and jostling like drunkards in weight- lessness in the dark . Imagine the liquid evaporating and cooling , forcing the molecules closer together and slowing them down . Will these ...
Page 100
... molecules are simple molecular devices . Many affect spe- cific molecules in cells . Morphine molecules , for example , bind to certain receptor molecules in brain cells , affecting the neural im- pulses that signal pain . Insulin ...
... molecules are simple molecular devices . Many affect spe- cific molecules in cells . Morphine molecules , for example , bind to certain receptor molecules in brain cells , affecting the neural im- pulses that signal pain . Insulin ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
12 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
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