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 50
... universe of possible mechanical devices , Leonardo foresaw only a few . Similarly , of the far broader universe of future technologies , modern minds can foresee only a few . A few advances , however , seem of basic impor- tance ...
... universe of possible mechanical devices , Leonardo foresaw only a few . Similarly , of the far broader universe of future technologies , modern minds can foresee only a few . A few advances , however , seem of basic impor- tance ...
Page 162
... universe holds a hundred billion galaxies , each a swarm of billions of suns . The resources of the visi- ble universe make even our galaxy seem insignificant by comparison . With this we reach the limits of knowledge , if not of ...
... universe holds a hundred billion galaxies , each a swarm of billions of suns . The resources of the visi- ble universe make even our galaxy seem insignificant by comparison . With this we reach the limits of knowledge , if not of ...
Page 163
... universe were infinitely large , we still could not travel infinitely fast . The laws of nature will limit the rate of growth : Earth's life will spread no faster than light . Steady expansion will open new resources at a rate that will ...
... universe were infinitely large , we still could not travel infinitely fast . The laws of nature will limit the rate of growth : Earth's life will spread no faster than light . Steady expansion will open new resources at a rate that will ...
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