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 10
... natural protein chain will actually fold , and some of them have despaired of designing protein molecules soon . Yet most biochemists work as scientists , not as engineers . They work at predicting how natural proteins will fold , not ...
... natural protein chain will actually fold , and some of them have despaired of designing protein molecules soon . Yet most biochemists work as scientists , not as engineers . They work at predicting how natural proteins will fold , not ...
Page 42
... natural law . But in 1737 , the Scottish philos- opher David Hume presented them with a nasty puzzle : he showed that observations cannot logically prove a general rule , that the Sun shining day after day proves nothing , logically ...
... natural law . But in 1737 , the Scottish philos- opher David Hume presented them with a nasty puzzle : he showed that observations cannot logically prove a general rule , that the Sun shining day after day proves nothing , logically ...
Page 118
... natural machines fail to do , but they need not do anything qualita- tively novel . Both natural and artificial repair devices must reach , identify , and rebuild molecular structures . We will be able to im- prove on existing DNA ...
... natural machines fail to do , but they need not do anything qualita- tively novel . Both natural and artificial repair devices must reach , identify , and rebuild molecular structures . We will be able to im- prove on existing DNA ...
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