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 147
... and won't be able to do . Discussing limits is risky : we can be more sure that something is possible than that it isn't . Engineers can make do with approxima- tions and special cases . And given tools , materials ΙΟ The Limits to Growth.
... and won't be able to do . Discussing limits is risky : we can be more sure that something is possible than that it isn't . Engineers can make do with approxima- tions and special cases . And given tools , materials ΙΟ The Limits to Growth.
Page 157
... limits is inexhaustible . Just knowing the fundamental laws of matter isn't enough to tell us exactly where all the limits lie . We still must face the complexities of design . Our knowledge of some limits remains ... LIMITS TO GROWTH 157.
... limits is inexhaustible . Just knowing the fundamental laws of matter isn't enough to tell us exactly where all the limits lie . We still must face the complexities of design . Our knowledge of some limits remains ... LIMITS TO GROWTH 157.
Page 163
... growth , since it plots as a line on a graph ) . Since mathematics shows that any fixed rate of exponential growth will eventually outstrip any fixed rate of linear growth , Malthus argued that population growth , if ... LIMITS TO GROWTH 163.
... growth , since it plots as a line on a graph ) . Since mathematics shows that any fixed rate of exponential growth will eventually outstrip any fixed rate of linear growth , Malthus argued that population growth , if ... LIMITS TO GROWTH 163.
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