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 35
The ideas behind methods of design are subtler yet : more abstract than
hardware , they replicate and function exclusively in the world of minds and
symbol systems . Where genes have evolved over generations and eons , mental
replicators ...
The ideas behind methods of design are subtler yet : more abstract than
hardware , they replicate and function exclusively in the world of minds and
symbol systems . Where genes have evolved over generations and eons , mental
replicators ...
Page 42
Scientists and engineers both work with mathematical descriptions of natural
laws and test ideas with experiments . But science and technology differ radically
in their basis , methods , and aims . Understanding these differences is crucial to
...
Scientists and engineers both work with mathematical descriptions of natural
laws and test ideas with experiments . But science and technology differ radically
in their basis , methods , and aims . Understanding these differences is crucial to
...
Page 43
Broadly speaking , ideas can evolve to seem true or they can evolve to be true (
by seeming true to people who check ideas carefully ) . Anthropologists and
historians have described what happens when ideas evolve to seem true among
...
Broadly speaking , ideas can evolve to seem true or they can evolve to be true (
by seeming true to people who check ideas carefully ) . Anthropologists and
historians have described what happens when ideas evolve to seem true among
...
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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 |