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 109
... problem after problem ( Heavy metal poisoning ? Find and remove the metal atoms ) but the con- clusion is easy to summarize . Physical disorders stem from misar- ranged atoms ; repair machines will be able to return them to work- ing ...
... problem after problem ( Heavy metal poisoning ? Find and remove the metal atoms ) but the con- clusion is easy to summarize . Physical disorders stem from misar- ranged atoms ; repair machines will be able to return them to work- ing ...
Page 125
... problem of long life , it is unclear what one could do about it — machine - gun the old for holding firm opinions , perhaps ? Fortunately , two factors will reduce the problem somewhat . First , in a world with an open frontier the ...
... problem of long life , it is unclear what one could do about it — machine - gun the old for holding firm opinions , perhaps ? Fortunately , two factors will reduce the problem somewhat . First , in a world with an open frontier the ...
Page 237
... problems or too few— then you will be able to try again . Our problem today is not to plan or build utopias but to seek a chance to try . PREPARATIONS We may fail . Replicating assemblers and AI will bring problems of unprecedented ...
... problems or too few— then you will be able to try again . Our problem today is not to plan or build utopias but to seek a chance to try . PREPARATIONS We may fail . Replicating assemblers and AI will bring problems of unprecedented ...
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