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 39
... possible , what is achievable , and what is desirable ? First , where hardware is concerned , natural law sets limits to the possible . Because assemblers will open a path to those limits , under- standing assemblers is a key to ...
... possible , what is achievable , and what is desirable ? First , where hardware is concerned , natural law sets limits to the possible . Because assemblers will open a path to those limits , under- standing assemblers is a key to ...
Page 40
... possible . Finally , within the broad confines of the possible and the achievable , we can try to reach a future we find desirable . PITFALLS OF PROPHECY But how can anyone predict the future ? Political and economic trends are ...
... possible . Finally , within the broad confines of the possible and the achievable , we can try to reach a future we find desirable . PITFALLS OF PROPHECY But how can anyone predict the future ? Political and economic trends are ...
Page 156
... possible will have roughly ten times the strength of today's strongest steel wire . ( The strongest material for ... possible switching component for a com- puter may prove fairly easy ; designing the best possible computer will be ...
... possible will have roughly ten times the strength of today's strongest steel wire . ( The strongest material for ... possible switching component for a com- puter may prove fairly easy ; designing the best possible computer will be ...
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