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. |
From inside the book
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Page 8
Enzymes and hormones can be described in mechanical terms , but their
behavior is more often described in chemical terms . But other proteins serve
basic mechanical functions . Some push and pull , some act as cords or struts ,
and parts of ...
Enzymes and hormones can be described in mechanical terms , but their
behavior is more often described in chemical terms . But other proteins serve
basic mechanical functions . Some push and pull , some act as cords or struts ,
and parts of ...
Page 17
Biologists have abandoned it because they have found chemical and physical
explanations for every aspect of living cells ... Starting with chemicals that can be
made from smoggy air , biochemists have built working protein machines without
...
Biologists have abandoned it because they have found chemical and physical
explanations for every aspect of living cells ... Starting with chemicals that can be
made from smoggy air , biochemists have built working protein machines without
...
Page 41
Ultimately , we can do chemical synthesis . . . . put the atoms down where the
chemist says , and so you make the substance . " In brief , he sketched another ,
nonbiochemical path to the assembler . He also stated , even then , that it is “ a ...
Ultimately , we can do chemical synthesis . . . . put the atoms down where the
chemist says , and so you make the substance . " In brief , he sketched another ,
nonbiochemical path to the assembler . He also stated , even then , that it is “ a ...
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Great Book
User Review - nubianangel - Overstock.comEngines of Creation is a very good book to help the nonscientist get a grasp on the complexities of nano technology where we are and where we could go with it. While it breaks the information down to ... Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - mentatjack - LibraryThingThis is one of my favorite science non-fiction books ever. If you've enjoyed any of the nanotechnology in science fiction in the last few decades, it was probably informed in some way by Drexler's ... Read full review
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
Engines of Abundance | 53 |
Thinking Machines | 64 |
Copyright | |
12 other sections not shown
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Common terms and phrases
ability able active already arms assemblers atoms basic become better biostasis brain bring build called cell repair machines Chapter chemical complex computers consider copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices direct discussion Earth effect electronic energy engineering evolution evolved example exist fact force future genes give groups grow growth holds human hypertext ideas imagine institutions intelligence knowledge lead less light limits living machinery material matter means mechanical memes million mind molecular molecular machines molecules move natural organisms patterns possible present principles problem produce protect protein quantum mechanics reach reason remain replicators require seems selection shape simple solar space speed spread structures success suggest technical things thousand tion tissue understand universe
Bibliographic information
| Title | Engines of Creation The Anchor library of science |
| Author | K. Eric Drexler |
| Contributor | Marvin Minsky |
| Publisher | Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1986 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 28 Jan 2010 |
| ISBN | 0385199724, 9780385199728 |
| Length | 298 pages |
| Subjects | › Technology & Engineering / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |