Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation (Paperback)

by K. Eric Drexler (Author) "Most physical magnitudes characterizing nanoscale systems differ enormously from those familiar in macroscale systems..." (more)
Key Phrases: logic rod, reagent moieties, molecular manufacturing processes, Monte Carlo (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Devices enormously smaller than before will remodel engineering, chemistry, medicine, and computer technology. How can we understand machines that are so small? Nanosystems covers it all: power and strength, friction and wear, thermal noise and quantum uncertainty. This is the book for starting the next century of engineering." — Marvin Minsky MIT Science magazine calls Eric Drexler "Mr. Nanotechnology." For years, Drexler has stirred controversy by declaring that molecular nanotechnology will bring a sweeping technological revolution — delivering tremendous advances in miniaturization, materials, computers, and manufacturing of all kinds. Now, he’s written a detailed, top-to-bottom analysis of molecular machinery — how to design it, how to analyze it, and how to build it. Nanosystems is the first scientifically detailed description of developments that will revolutionize most of the industrial processes and products currently in use. This groundbreaking work draws on physics and chemistry to establish basic concepts and analytical tools. The book then describes nanomechanical components, devices, and systems, including parallel computers able to execute 1020 instructions per second and desktop molecular manufacturing systems able to make such products. Via chemical and biochemical techniques, proximal probe instruments, and software for computer-aided molecular design, the book charts a path from present laboratory capabilities to advanced molecular manufacturing. Bringing together physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and computer science, Nanosystems provides an indispensable introduction to the emerging field of molecular nanotechnology.

From the Back Cover
"Devices enormously smaller than before will remodel engineering, chemistry, medicine, and computer technology. How can we understand machines that are so small? Nanosystems covers it all: power and strength, friction and wear, thermal noise and quantum uncertainty. This is the book for starting the next century of engineering." — Marvin Minsky MIT Science magazine calls Eric Drexler "Mr. Nanotechnology." For years, Drexler has stirred controversy by declaring that molecular nanotechnology will bring a sweeping technological revolution — delivering tremendous advances in miniaturization, materials, computers, and manufacturing of all kinds. Now, he’s written a detailed, top-to-bottom analysis of molecular machinery — how to design it, how to analyze it, and how to build it. Nanosystems is the first scientifically detailed description of developments that will revolutionize most of the industrial processes and products currently in use. This groundbreaking work draws on physics and chemistry to establish basic concepts and analytical tools. The book then describes nanomechanical components, devices, and systems, including parallel computers able to execute 1020 instructions per second and desktop molecular manufacturing systems able to make such products. Via chemical and biochemical techniques, proximal probe instruments, and software for computer-aided molecular design, the book charts a path from present laboratory capabilities to advanced molecular manufacturing. Bringing together physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, and computer science, Nanosystems provides an indispensable introduction to the emerging field of molecular nanotechnology.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1st edition (September 29, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471575186
• ISBN-13: 978-0471575184
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,663 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #25 in	Books > Science > Technology > Nanotechnology
  #69 in	Books > Computers & Internet > Computer Science > Circuitry > Circuit Components

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare Fifth Star simply for its place in history., May 22, 2000

By	"tesuji3" (the Brilliant Dawn) - See all my reviews

Finally we may play with the "building blocks of matter" we've been hearing so much about. Here is an instruction manual, detailing the Elements, and their Interactions, while at the same time suggesting possible Design Models for construcion.

Curious about the subject?
Start with Drexler's Engines of Creation, instead. Maybe some other collections of theoretical applications to whet your appetite. Come back to this when you begin to see a bigger picture.

Know some, want to know more?
Definately read. But be warned, it is quite techincal when it is not being necessarily vague. This is a halmark. The basis of this book was Drexler's thesis for his doctorate in Molecular Nanotechnology, the first awarded (MIT 1991, I believe).

Serious about the topic?
You already have access to a copy...or should.

You might very well be able to download significant portions from Foresight's website (it's an org.anization, not a com.mercial); but I would suggest supporting them with at least the price of the book. They seem to be committed to developing this Potential responsibly.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive treatise on nanotechnology theory, March 31, 2000

By	Nicodemus "the rat" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An outstanding book exploring the possibilities of nanotechnology in amazing detail. Dense textbook equations and charts fill the pages, but somehow Drexler's well-written prose transitions between complex concepts and offers explanations of technical points.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to the new world of Nano!, July 19, 1998

By	John Rogers Bryan "John R Bryan" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thank you, Eric. As an independent nanotech developer (the next Bill Gates?), I have been helped by Drexler enormously. Be afraid, this an ENGINEERING text and NOT light reading. All the best to all my competitors. Thanks again Eric. Keep the faith.