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 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 shields arms artificial intelligence atoms automated engineering systems bacteria basic Biochemists biostasis bonds brain build cell repair machines Chapter chemical chines complex computers copies cost damage dangerous described develop devices discussion due process Earth electronic energy Engines of Creation entropy enzymes Eric Drexler EURISKO evolution evolved experiments fact forum faster future genes genetic hardware human hypertext ideas imagine knowledge layer lightsails limits to growth living Marvin Minsky material mechanical memes mental million mind molecular machinery molecular machines molecular technology molecules nanocomputers nanomachines nanotechnology natural neural nuclear organisms patterns possible predict principles problem protein machines replicating assemblers ribosomes Richard Dawkins RNA molecules Robert Ettinger robots rockets science court scientific scientists seems simple simulation space speed spread survive synapses technical technology race tion tissue viruses vitrification