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 154
... remain the sole building blocks of stable hardware . And engineering will remain a game that is played with already known pieces according to already known rules . New particles would add pieces , not eliminate rules . THE LIMITS TO ...
... remain the sole building blocks of stable hardware . And engineering will remain a game that is played with already known pieces according to already known rules . New particles would add pieces , not eliminate rules . THE LIMITS TO ...
Page 228
... remain so . An electronic library will be no less a library for its lack of shelves and paper . Erasure will make no flame and smoke , but the stench of book - burning will remain . FROM DESKTOP TO WORLD LIBRARY Some of the benefits I ...
... remain so . An electronic library will be no less a library for its lack of shelves and paper . Erasure will make no flame and smoke , but the stench of book - burning will remain . FROM DESKTOP TO WORLD LIBRARY Some of the benefits I ...
Page 266
... remain struc- turally intact ; so long as they are alive , they are presumably intact , so viability provides a conservative indicator . There is a common myth that the brain " cannot survive " for more than a few minutes without oxygen ...
... remain struc- turally intact ; so long as they are alive , they are presumably intact , so viability provides a conservative indicator . There is a common myth that the brain " cannot survive " for more than a few minutes without oxygen ...
Contents
Engines of Construction | 3 |
The Principles of Change | 21 |
Predicting and Projecting | 39 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
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