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 46
... present abilities . Yet this leaves a crucial gap : what of engineering developments firmly based on present science but awaiting future abili- ties ? This gap leaves a fruitful area for study . Imagine a line of development which ...
... present abilities . Yet this leaves a crucial gap : what of engineering developments firmly based on present science but awaiting future abili- ties ? This gap leaves a fruitful area for study . Imagine a line of development which ...
Page 89
... present technology , we could open the space frontier . The prospect is heartening . It shows us an obvious way to bypass terrestrial limits to growth , lessening one of the fears that has clouded our view of the future . The promise of ...
... present technology , we could open the space frontier . The prospect is heartening . It shows us an obvious way to bypass terrestrial limits to growth , lessening one of the fears that has clouded our view of the future . The promise of ...
Page 126
... present is beside the point : the question is , might there be a significant change for the better ? The expectation of living a long life in a better future may well make some political diseases less deadly . Human conflicts are far ...
... present is beside the point : the question is , might there be a significant change for the better ? The expectation of living a long life in a better future may well make some political diseases less deadly . Human conflicts are far ...
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