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 6
... molecular machines have relatively few atoms , and so they have lumpy surfaces , like objects made by gluing together a handful of small marbles . Also , many pairs of atoms are linked by bonds that can bend or rotate , and so protein ...
... molecular machines have relatively few atoms , and so they have lumpy surfaces , like objects made by gluing together a handful of small marbles . Also , many pairs of atoms are linked by bonds that can bend or rotate , and so protein ...
Page 15
... molecular machines can do , just as it limits what anything else can do . Nonetheless , calculations show that the uncertainty principle places few important limits on how well atoms can be held in place , at least for the purposes ...
... molecular machines can do , just as it limits what anything else can do . Nonetheless , calculations show that the uncertainty principle places few important limits on how well atoms can be held in place , at least for the purposes ...
Page 100
... molecules affect tissues at the molecular level , but they are too simple to sense , plan , and act . But molecular machines di- rected by nanocomputers will offer physicians another choice . They will combine sensors , programs , and ...
... molecules affect tissues at the molecular level , but they are too simple to sense , plan , and act . But molecular machines di- rected by nanocomputers will offer physicians another choice . They will combine sensors , programs , and ...
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