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 86
... lightsail , " a higher - perfor- mance class of solar sail . After a year's acceleration , a lightsail can reach a speed of one hundred kilometers per second , leaving today's swiftest rockets in the dust . If you imagine a network of ...
... lightsail , " a higher - perfor- mance class of solar sail . After a year's acceleration , a lightsail can reach a speed of one hundred kilometers per second , leaving today's swiftest rockets in the dust . If you imagine a network of ...
Page 87
... lightsails with bulk technology , we must learn to make them in space ; their vast reflectors will be too delicate to survive launch and unfolding . We will need to construct scaffolding struc- tures , manufacture thin - film reflectors ...
... lightsails with bulk technology , we must learn to make them in space ; their vast reflectors will be too delicate to survive launch and unfolding . We will need to construct scaffolding struc- tures , manufacture thin - film reflectors ...
Page 88
... lightsails beyond hope of escape . Lightsails are fast and tireless , but not strong . The great and enduring value of space lies in its resources of mat- ter , energy , and room . The planets occupy room and block energy . The material ...
... lightsails beyond hope of escape . Lightsails are fast and tireless , but not strong . The great and enduring value of space lies in its resources of mat- ter , energy , and room . The planets occupy room and block energy . The material ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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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