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Title: Engines of Creation : The Coming Era of Nanotechnology by Eric Drexler ISBN: 0-385-19973-2 Publisher: Anchor Pub. Date: 16 September, 1987 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.26 (31 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Still relevant after fifteen years
Comment: It's important to judge this book in context. It was written more than fifteen years ago and that the ideas are still provocative fifteen years on is important. That they are relevant is testament to Drexler's predictive powers (When in 1987 he evangelises a hypertext based system of leaping between fragments of information stored on a network - well, sound familiar?). Progress in the intervening years sees us with tangible advances in the fields of nanocomputing, bionanotechnology and nanomedicine. Scientific criticism of this book often focuses on Drexler's concept of an assembler (a molecular machine for building nanoscale objects). The concept is attacked either for dissimilarities with existing biological systems or because the critics claim molecular manufacturing simply can't be done. Significantly, Dr. Drexler continues to defend his original thesis in recent writings. 'Engines of Creation' is bold, provocative and at times frightening. It deserves its accolades.
Rating: 5
Summary: A revolutionary book...
Comment: Despite a massive assault by its critics, "Engines of Creation" is a truly revolutionary work, and Eric Drexler should be commended for launching a worldwide discussion on the topic of molecular manufacturing, or molecular nanotechnology (MNT), as some refer to it. First of all, this is a book that needs to be updated (the opening chapters deal in-depth with protein design and a later chapter tries to paint a picture of a future network of information known as "the Internet"). But the remainder of the book is timeless.
The true merit of "Engines of Creation" comes not from the argument of whether or not manipulation of individual molecules is possible. We already know that it is. Our bodies are filled with nature's own molecular machines. But the true worth of this book stems from its assumption that such technology will develop into a worldwide enterprise and will have enormous consequences for the human experience. The importance of the examination and study of those consequences cannot be overstated, and Drexler formed the Foresight Institute in an attempt to grapple with many of these issues. (Although personally, I recommend The Center for Responsible Nanotechnology as the best "think-tank" on MNT's benefits and dangers).
The power to thoroughly and inexpensively control the structure of matter will effect every aspect of the human experience, and although it is a worthy endeavor to speculate on the implications for medicine, space exploration, ending poverty, etc., none of these benefits will be realized if we fail to work out a reasonable system of governance in the nanotechnic era. The development of molecular manufacturing will lead to the creation of new weapons of destructive power, possibly give rise to demagogues, and provide the conditions necessary to precipitate a dangerous, and possibly world-threatening, arms race between competing nanotechnic nation-states. Although we have faced these concerns since the dawn of the Nuclear Age, it remains unclear as to whether or not the same principles of mutually assured destruction will apply. "Engines of Creation" sparks the debate on how we will deal with the new problems that arise from man's ability to manipulate molecules, and in doing so, it provides an invaluable service to the human race.
Those concerned about our future and the world in which we live should read this book, because molecular manufacturing will define that future world...
Britt Gillette
Author of the nanotechnology thriller "Conquest of Paradise"
Rating: 3
Summary: Interesting but meandering
Comment: I would start by giving the book 3 1/2 stars. I can't bring myself to give it 4 but 3 represents mediocrity and the book deserves slightly more than that.
In my opinion Drexler spends too much time in the setup and fallout of nanotech instead of getting to the meat of the subject. His comments about evolution and political repercussions deserved a chapter combined (maybe) but it seems like half of the book focused on these areas where he seemed out of his depth.
In short, too little science and too much social commentary. Still a worthwhile read but somewhat dissapointing from what has been called a seminal work.
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Title: Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation by K. Eric Drexler ISBN: 0471575186 Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Pub. Date: 15 January, 1992 List Price(USD): $59.99 |
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Title: Understanding Nanotechnology by Editors Scientific American, editors at Scientific American ISBN: 0446679569 Publisher: Warner Books Pub. Date: 01 December, 2002 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea by Mark A. Ratner, Daniel Ratner, Mark Ratner ISBN: 0131014005 Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR Pub. Date: 08 November, 2002 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Our Molecular Future: How Nanotechnology, Robotics, Genetics and Artificial Intelligence Will Transform Our World by Douglas Mulhall ISBN: 1573929921 Publisher: Prometheus Books Pub. Date: July, 2002 List Price(USD): $28.00 |
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Title: The Next Big Thing Is Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your Business by Jack Uldrich, Deb Newberry ISBN: 1400046890 Publisher: Crown Business Pub. Date: 11 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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