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 42
Page 8
... nanomachines built of protein and RNA can be programmed to build complex molecules . Then consider viruses . One ... nanomachines obey the universal laws of nature . Ordinary chemical bonds hold their atoms together , and or- dinary ...
... nanomachines built of protein and RNA can be programmed to build complex molecules . Then consider viruses . One ... nanomachines obey the universal laws of nature . Ordinary chemical bonds hold their atoms together , and or- dinary ...
Page 14
... nanomachines made of tougher stuff . UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLERS These second - generation nanomachines - built of more than just proteins — will do all that proteins can do , and more . In particular , some will serve as improved devices for ...
... nanomachines made of tougher stuff . UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLERS These second - generation nanomachines - built of more than just proteins — will do all that proteins can do , and more . In particular , some will serve as improved devices for ...
Page 17
... nanomachines could even equal the abilities of nanomachines in the cell , if there were reason to think that cells contained some special magic that makes them work . This idea is called " vitalism . " Biologists have abandoned it ...
... nanomachines could even equal the abilities of nanomachines in the cell , if there were reason to think that cells contained some special magic that makes them work . This idea is called " vitalism . " Biologists have abandoned it ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
11 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 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