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 97
... less pleasant answer for those who think assemblers are too good to be true : assemblers also threaten to bring hazards and weapons more dangerous than any yet seen . If nanotech- nology could be avoided but not controlled , then sane ...
... less pleasant answer for those who think assemblers are too good to be true : assemblers also threaten to bring hazards and weapons more dangerous than any yet seen . If nanotech- nology could be avoided but not controlled , then sane ...
Page 179
... less efficient . Nanotechnology , though , will make most things far lighter , smaller , cheaper , and more efficient to begin with . This will make redundancy and reliability more practical . Today , we are seldom willing to pay for ...
... less efficient . Nanotechnology , though , will make most things far lighter , smaller , cheaper , and more efficient to begin with . This will make redundancy and reliability more practical . Today , we are seldom willing to pay for ...
Page 256
... less than the level assumed ( even in a device like that described in the text , which is somewhat more compact than a brain ) . For another example , consider the energy dissipated in the triggering of a synapse : devices requiring less ...
... less than the level assumed ( even in a device like that described in the text , which is somewhat more compact than a brain ) . For another example , consider the energy dissipated in the triggering of a synapse : devices requiring less ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
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