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 18
... mechanical computer is scarcely new . In En- gland during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Count- ess of Lovelace , invented computer programming ...
... mechanical computer is scarcely new . In En- gland during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Count- ess of Lovelace , invented computer programming ...
Page 19
... mechanical signals move about 100,000 times slower than the electrical signals in today's machines , they will need to travel only 1 / 1,000,000 as far , and thus will face less delay . So a mere mechanical computer will work faster ...
... mechanical signals move about 100,000 times slower than the electrical signals in today's machines , they will need to travel only 1 / 1,000,000 as far , and thus will face less delay . So a mere mechanical computer will work faster ...
Page 275
... mechanical probing of the workpiece's surface ) should suffice to distinguish among the possibilities , thus correcting the calculations . This can also correct for error buildup in calculations of the geometry of large structures . P ...
... mechanical probing of the workpiece's surface ) should suffice to distinguish among the possibilities , thus correcting the calculations . This can also correct for error buildup in calculations of the geometry of large structures . P ...
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