Engines of CreationIn 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 85
... flights a day for years , as the cost of airliners can . Finally , spaceport costs are now spread over only a few flights per month , when large airports can spread their costs over many thousands . All this conspires to make each flight ...
... flights a day for years , as the cost of airliners can . Finally , spaceport costs are now spread over only a few flights per month , when large airports can spread their costs over many thousands . All this conspires to make each flight ...
Page 88
... flight to the stars . But planets are package deals , generally offering the wrong gravity , atmosphere , length of day , and location . Free space offers a better building site for settlements . Professor Gerard O'Neill of Princeton ...
... flight to the stars . But planets are package deals , generally offering the wrong gravity , atmosphere , length of day , and location . Free space offers a better building site for settlements . Professor Gerard O'Neill of Princeton ...
Page 282
... flight of the world's first reusable spacecraft , the space shuttle , and the fiftieth anniver- sary of the flight of the first human into space , Yuri Gagarin . If , before this date , someone finds and employs a means to raise human ...
... flight of the world's first reusable spacecraft , the space shuttle , and the fiftieth anniver- sary of the flight of the first human into space , Yuri Gagarin . If , before this date , someone finds and employs a means to raise human ...
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