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
Results 1-3 of 35
Page 18
The idea of a purely mechanical computer is scarcely new . In England during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Countess of Lovelace , invented ...
The idea of a purely mechanical computer is scarcely new . In England during the mid - 1800s , Charles Babbage invented a mechanical computer built of brass gears ; his co - worker Augusta Ada , the Countess of Lovelace , invented ...
Page 19
components a few atoms wide , though , a simple mechanical computer would fit within 1/100 of a cubic micron , many billions of times more compact than today's so - called microelectronics . Even with a billion bytes of storage ...
components a few atoms wide , though , a simple mechanical computer would fit within 1/100 of a cubic micron , many billions of times more compact than today's so - called microelectronics . Even with a billion bytes of storage ...
Page 275
In this case , the measurement of a few selected atomic positions ( performed by direct mechanical probing of the workpiece's surface ) should suffice to distinguish among the possibilities , thus correcting the calculations .
In this case , the measurement of a few selected atomic positions ( performed by direct mechanical probing of the workpiece's surface ) should suffice to distinguish among the possibilities , thus correcting the calculations .
What people are saying - Write a review
User ratings
| 5 stars |
| ||
| 4 stars |
| ||
| 3 stars |
| ||
| 2 stars |
| ||
| 1 star |
|
Great Book
User Review - nubianangel - Overstock.comEngines of Creation is a very good book to help the nonscientist get a grasp on the complexities of nano technology where we are and where we could go with it. While it breaks the information down to ... Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - mentatjack - LibraryThingThis is one of my favorite science non-fiction books ever. If you've enjoyed any of the nanotechnology in science fiction in the last few decades, it was probably informed in some way by Drexler's ... Read full review
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
15 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
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 nanotechnology natural organisms patterns possible present principles problem produce protect protein quantum mechanics reach reason remain replicators require seems selection shape simple space speed spread structures success suggest technical things thousand tion tissue understand universe
Bibliographic information
| Title | Engines of Creation The Anchor library of science |
| Author | K. Eric Drexler |
| Contributor | Marvin Minsky |
| Publisher | Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1986 |
| Original from | the University of Michigan |
| Digitized | 28 Jan 2010 |
| ISBN | 0385199724, 9780385199728 |
| Length | 298 pages |
| Subjects | › Technology & Engineering / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |