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 17
... living cells have done . • Is there some special magic about life , essential to making molecular machinery work ? One might doubt that artificial nanomachines could even equal the abilities of nanomachines in the cell , if there were ...
... living cells have done . • Is there some special magic about life , essential to making molecular machinery work ? One might doubt that artificial nanomachines could even equal the abilities of nanomachines in the cell , if there were ...
Page 117
... living indisposeth us for dying . -Sir THOMAS BROWNE CELL REPAIR MACHINES raise questions involving the value of extending human life . These are not the questions of today's medical ethics , which commonly involve dilemmas posed by ...
... living indisposeth us for dying . -Sir THOMAS BROWNE CELL REPAIR MACHINES raise questions involving the value of extending human life . These are not the questions of today's medical ethics , which commonly involve dilemmas posed by ...
Page 236
... Living things show that the machinery inside a self - replicating system can be ignored in a way that the machinery inside an automobile cannot . Thus a group could raise novel " plants " and " animals " to ease the harsh edges of ...
... Living things show that the machinery inside a self - replicating system can be ignored in a way that the machinery inside an automobile cannot . Thus a group could raise novel " plants " and " animals " to ease the harsh edges of ...
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