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 62
... light apart , have a side effect : like the pits on a laser disk they diffract light , producing a varied iridescence like that of a fire opal . These empty spaces lighten a structure already made from some of the lightest , strongest ...
... light apart , have a side effect : like the pits on a laser disk they diffract light , producing a varied iridescence like that of a fire opal . These empty spaces lighten a structure already made from some of the lightest , strongest ...
Page 149
... light , if they were to exist - but none has been found , and current theory doesn't predict them . Experimenters have pushed protons to over 99.9995 percent of the speed of light , with results that match Einstein's predictions ...
... light , if they were to exist - but none has been found , and current theory doesn't predict them . Experimenters have pushed protons to over 99.9995 percent of the speed of light , with results that match Einstein's predictions ...
Page 152
... light beam : When you observe the reflected light , you certainly affect it - your eye ab- sorbs it . Likewise , the light ( with its mass ) affects the dust mote : it bounces off the mote , exerting a force . The result is not an ...
... light beam : When you observe the reflected light , you certainly affect it - your eye ab- sorbs it . Likewise , the light ( with its mass ) affects the dust mote : it bounces off the mote , exerting a force . The result is not an ...
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