Review: Engines of Creation

Things are getting smaller all the time; not just micro-small (a millionth) but nano-small, the prefix meaning a billionth. Given that the foreword is by artificial-intelligence authority Marvin Minsky, you might presume that ""things"" are computers and that getting smaller is ever more beautiful. And you would be right. Moreover, Minsky's bullish point of view is more than matched by Drexler, a research affiliate in the Space Lab at MIT. Essentially, Drexler builds a future whose foundations rest on the latest in biotechnology and computers. Molecular biologists have been able to use bacteria to manufacture molecules to order. Drexler envisions man-made assemblers of nano dimensions that could be programmed to stack atoms according to plan. In turn, assemblers could make replicators that would be analogous to DNA and RNA, the molecules that enable cells to divide or to make many copies of useful molecules like enzymes. Once the machines--the engines of creation--are small enough, there's no end to their utility in traveling through capillaries and invading cells (as viruses do) to repair defects or delay the aging process. Nanotechnology would also be applied in industry to build everything from self-repairing rocket engines to comfortable second-skin space suits. Yes, space is clearly important if people live longer and resources are limited. So light-sails and space colonies are also in the picture. Sci fi? Cockeyed optimism? A lot, yes, along with some blurry thoughts and misquotes. But Drexler is smart enough to address critics, pointing to how wrong history's naysayers have been, and looking on the dark side as well: evils of nanotechnology; totalitarian use of nanomachines. He posits the need for built-in safeguards lest the technology take over. Even with these strategies, many critics will raise questions about the targeting and control of nanodevices. Others will claim the whole business is preposterous. No doubt some of it is, but some of it may not be. Of interest to those who like to keep abreast of current computer controversies.

This was one of the first books that made me understand what a revolution we were heading into. I read it in 93 and was so easy to understand. It gave me a great insight into nano technology and the applications of the nano world bots. Also it gave rise to the dangers we are to be facing if we stray from the controls of these powerful creatures and creations.  

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

An introduction to one of the most brilliant, creative and exciting ideas that mankind has ever had. Really. This book offers a non-technical description of the next technological revolution. Feynman ... Read full review

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

I read this lucid, clearly written book that has profoundly affected my appraisal of the advances in nano technology to the present day. A futurist that predicated in 1987 what is happeing right now ... Read full review

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

its gripping for those interested in the subject obviously. I havent read the entire book but have many articles citing from the actual book. Certainly made my molecular state seem smaller than it is and yet larger than it can be.

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

Has this guy won the Nobel prize yet? Read full review

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

This book is really thought-provoking. It raises the question of how we should 'foresight' the future. Drexler points out that our perceptions of technology are inert. If we don't transform our ...

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

I first learned about Nanotechnology in the 90's from a BBC docmentory- It blew my mind, so I started reading everything I could find about it. Engines of Creation was the first book I read about ... Read full review

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

changed my life…

Review: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology

This is an epoch making book, no doubt, with a strong inspirational content. “There's plenty of room at the bottom” said Richard Feynman in 1959. Almost 30 years later Eric Drexler wrote this book ... Read full review