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
... cost a mint . Even airlines pay roughly half their direct operating costs for fuel . A rocket resembles an airliner ... cost of a rocket . But this expectation is false . In the Moon shots , the cost of the fuel needed to reach orbit ...
... cost a mint . Even airlines pay roughly half their direct operating costs for fuel . A rocket resembles an airliner ... cost of a rocket . But this expectation is false . In the Moon shots , the cost of the fuel needed to reach orbit ...
Page 94
... cost prediction . Today the cost of products includes the costs of labor , capital , raw materials , energy , land , waste disposal , organization , distribution , taxation , and design . To see how total costs will change , consider ...
... cost prediction . Today the cost of products includes the costs of labor , capital , raw materials , energy , land , waste disposal , organization , distribution , taxation , and design . To see how total costs will change , consider ...
Page 229
... cost several dollars per hour at first . This cost will fall over time . For several decades now , the real cost of computers has dropped by about a factor of ten every ten years ; the cost of communications has also declined ...
... cost several dollars per hour at first . This cost will fall over time . For several decades now , the real cost of computers has dropped by about a factor of ten every ten years ; the cost of communications has also declined ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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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