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 145
At a guess , developing repair systems and adapting them to resuscitation will take three to ten decades , though advances in automated engineering may speed the process . The time required seems unimportant , however .
At a guess , developing repair systems and adapting them to resuscitation will take three to ten decades , though advances in automated engineering may speed the process . The time required seems unimportant , however .
Page 182
We will need human institutions that reliably develop reliable systems . Human institutions are evolved artificial systems , and they can often solve problems that their individual members cannot . This makes them a sort of “ artificial ...
We will need human institutions that reliably develop reliable systems . Human institutions are evolved artificial systems , and they can often solve problems that their individual members cannot . This makes them a sort of “ artificial ...
Page 197
In the time we buy through these and other ) policies , we can work to develop active shields able to give us permanent protection against the new dangers . This defines a goal . To reach it , a two - part strategy seems best .
In the time we buy through these and other ) policies , we can work to develop active shields able to give us permanent protection against the new dangers . This defines a goal . To reach it , a two - part strategy seems best .
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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 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
15 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 nanotechnology natural organisms patterns possible present principles problem produce protect protein quantum mechanics reach reason remain replicators require seems selection shape simple 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 |