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 84
... space without air to push against , and as late as 1956 the Astronomer Royal of Britain snorted that " Space travel is utter bilge . " This only showed that editorialists and astronomers were the wrong experts to ask about space ...
... space without air to push against , and as late as 1956 the Astronomer Royal of Britain snorted that " Space travel is utter bilge . " This only showed that editorialists and astronomers were the wrong experts to ask about space ...
Page 86
... space environment to extend the abilities of bulk technology . Space industry will pro- vide a growing market for launch services , dropping launch costs . Falling launch costs , in turn , will stimulate the growth of space indus- try ...
... space environment to extend the abilities of bulk technology . Space industry will pro- vide a growing market for launch services , dropping launch costs . Falling launch costs , in turn , will stimulate the growth of space indus- try ...
Page 89
... space , kilometers in length and circumference . In his design , dirt underfoot shields inhabitants from the natural radiation of space , just as Earth's inhabit- ants are shielded by the air overhead . Rotation produces an accelera ...
... space , kilometers in length and circumference . In his design , dirt underfoot shields inhabitants from the natural radiation of space , just as Earth's inhabit- ants are shielded by the air overhead . Rotation produces an accelera ...
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