Engines of Creation [Hardcover]

K Eric Drexler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1986

Nanotechnology is expected to revolutionize research into all areas of our lives from within the heart of the living cell to the depth of space itself. It will enable us to construct machines a thousand times smaller than a microchip or the same size as an enzyme, which can be programmed to repair damage or destroy diseases within individual human cells. It is feasible that complex scientific equipment could be built out of nothing more than earth and air. Written by the world's leading expert in the field, this work looks at this remarkable technology and its exciting possibilities.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Nanotechnology, or molecular technology, involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules, something the human body already does.In Engines of Creation , Drexler attempts to predict, justify, quantify, and caution us about this important new field in engineering. His book could have been the first and foremost discussion of this fascinating subject. But Drexler strays from the topic with annoying regularity. He devotes too little space to the possibilities of nanotechnology and too much to esoteric and opinionated discussions of philosophy, politics, information science, defense, human relations, etc. Nanotechnology will indeed become a reality, and the public needs to be informed. It is therefore unfortunate that Engines of Creation was not written more clearly or directly. Kurt O. Baumgartner, International Minerals & Chemical Corp., Terre Haute, Ind.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

This brilliant work heralds the new age of nanotechnology, which will give us thorough and inexpensive control of the structure of matter. Drexler examines the enormous implications of these developments for medicine, the economy, and the environment, and makes astounding yet well-founded projections for the future. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 298 pages
• Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell; 1st edition (June 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385199724
• ISBN-13: 978-0385199728
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,530,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engineer of Innovation, December 29, 1999

By 

Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology (Paperback)

If you were to ask the world's greatest authorities on modern technology to select the five most influential books written thus far on that subject, Engines of Creation would probably be on most (if not all) lists. In it, Drexler analyzes "the coming era of nanotechnology." Obviously, that era has (since 1986) arrived. Nonetheless, Drexler's observations remain both valid and instructive. The book is organized as Part One: The Foundations of Foresight, Part Two: Profiles of the Possible, and Part Three: Dangers and Hopes. In certain respects, Engines of Creation is even more valuable today than it was when first published. It should be required reading for undergraduate and graduate students (especially those at work on a degree in engineering, the natural sciences, mathematics, or business) as well as for executives in organizations which hope to survive the "age of nanotechnology." Think of your organization as a vehicle. Viewed as such, it obviously needs an engine, fuel, a transmission, a brake, an accelerator, etc. Speed is only one component of the formula for success. Durability is another. For your organization to reach its destination, it must also have a map. Engines of Creation is about technology, of course, and it is also about innovation in an age when speed is often the difference between success and failure. But Drexler also provides the equivalent of a map to guide his reader. Misdirected speed can demolish an entire organization as well as a single vehicle....and those within it. Years from now, Engines of Creation will still be read and admired. Why? Because it will still be relevant.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding, November 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology (Paperback)

"Engines of Creation" is one the most thoroughly enjoyable books I have ever read. It is well constructed and well thought out, expanding on every topic from memes to early Internet to the future application of molecular manufacturing. This book really jumped onto the scene when it was first published because of the astounding proposals made. But rather than being just another science fiction book, I think it well grounded in sound engineering and physical law. As of yet, no one has disproved it, and Mr. Drexler is certainly well-qualified to make the assertions he does. I would recommend this book as a excellent primer to anyone seeking to learn the basics of molecular nanotechnology.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grasps the essential 'Zeitgeist' of what we call technology., December 22, 1999

By 

Dale Brown - See all my reviews

This review is from: Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology (Paperback)

Years ago, my friends and I realized that all the sciences were not really seperate fields, but linked by matter itself and the emerging laws of physics. Richard Feynman in the late '50s voiced the foundation of what Drexler further grew into a tour de force he coined 'nanotechnology'. When Drexler's 'Engines of Creation' appeared, I realized instantly that this book was the ignition point for a technological shift of such scope, that the majority of the population doesn't quite yet realize the incredible double-edged potential. The physics are there, the models are there, the amazing molecular complexity and abundance of life itself illustrates the possibilities; we only lack the tools; however, a simple search on the Net will show that they'll probably be here more quickly that we anticipate. Look at the estimates that it would take 20 years to decode DNA; recent breakthoughs will allow it to be complete by 2002. A must read for someone who wants to get their feet wet and ride the approaching wave.