Customer Reviews

The Nanotech Pioneers: Where Are They Taking Us

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As the author of "Nanotech Fortunes" and the managing director of Nanotechnology.com, I can say without fear of contradiction that Steve Edwards' book is the best history of nanotechnology ever written. In fact, it might be mis-titled. Perhaps it should be simply called "The History of Nanotechnology"?

That might make it seem "dry" and boring, but Edwards has written an intriguing, insightful, almost downright chatty and extremely personal as well as personable history BY FOCUSING ON THE KEY INDIVIDUALS and their totally incredible contributions.

The book benefits from the fact that Mr. Edwards is actually DR. EDWARDS and a trained nanoscientist in his own right.

What could be better? - a wonderful story, told by someone who is witty, writes well, is at home with an awful lot of the "true insider" perspective, CAN EXPLAIN IT SIMPLY TO FOLKS WHO CAN'T REMEMBER HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY and actually knows what he's talking about!

More of his knowledge and wit are shared at BlogNano.com.

Nanotechnology is everyone's "in" topic, the word whispered to the graduate at the pool party. Steve Edwards is eminently qualified to take us on a delightful tour that links past, present and future in this fascinating yet poorly understood world. His career, from his graduate work in biochemistry at one of the world's leading research institutions through periods of research, teaching and consulting, has placed him in unique perspective to be our guide and to help us enjoy the journey.

The skeleton of Dr. Edwards's book is a collection of historical and biographical sketches of leaders in the conceptual and developmental world of nanotechnology. In these interesting vignettes, many of them derived from personal experience and exposure, we also gain insight into much of the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology itself. Discussions of nanoinstrumentation, nanoparticle configurations, nanoscience in nature, and applications to electronics, medicine, energy, and the emerging world of commercialization of nanoscience, each worthy of increased contemplation and study, unfold in well-placed historical and scientific contexts.

The discussions culminate in a superb presentation of ethical issues related to nanotechnology, where common concerns are laid out, where in the words of the hymn "our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares," and end with a call to a cautious but confident walk into the future.

Frequent, clear illustrations and photos add interest and understanding to the book. However, typographical and grammatical errors are also frequent. This book deserves a better editorial reading than it received.

It's a well summarised look at the breadth of the nanotech field. Commencing with speculations by Richard Feynman in 1959 about how small devices could ultimately be made. Well before Gordon Moore wrote his observations in a paper that would be the basis of Moore's Law.

Edwards goes on to describe companies and researchers currently engaged in such tasks as fabricating carbon nanotubes. Or finding novel uses for the Atomic Force Microscope, like dip pen nanolithography. Where the AFM can trace out patterns on a surface in controlled manner. Quantum dots also make an appearance. Along with the buckyball (C60) and its variants.

A very topical chapter speculates on how nanotech products might aid the production, storage or transmission of energy. Of these, perhaps the use of quantum dots in LEDs that would replace incandescent light bulbs is the low hanging fruit. While improved solar panels are another potentially vast market.