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 8
... reach , grab a “ rope ” ( also made of protein ) , pull it , then reach out again for a fresh grip ; whenever you move , you use these machines . Amoebas and human cells move and change shape by using fibers and rods that act as ...
... reach , grab a “ rope ” ( also made of protein ) , pull it , then reach out again for a fresh grip ; whenever you move , you use these machines . Amoebas and human cells move and change shape by using fibers and rods that act as ...
Page 40
... reach a future we find desirable . PITFALLS OF PROPHECY But how can anyone predict the future ? Political and economic trends are notoriously fickle , and sheer chance rolls dice across conti- nents . Even the comparatively steady ...
... reach a future we find desirable . PITFALLS OF PROPHECY But how can anyone predict the future ? Political and economic trends are notoriously fickle , and sheer chance rolls dice across conti- nents . Even the comparatively steady ...
Page 84
... reach orbit . . . . ) . Busy defending the basics of spaceflight , they had little time to dis- cuss its consequences . Thus , when Sputnik startled the world and embarrassed the United States , people were unprepared : there had been ...
... reach orbit . . . . ) . Busy defending the basics of spaceflight , they had little time to dis- cuss its consequences . Thus , when Sputnik startled the world and embarrassed the United States , people were unprepared : there had been ...
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