Rating: 
Summary: A revolutionary book...
Review: 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:
Summary: The definitive Nanotech 'Bible'
Review: Engines of Creation is an absolute MUST READ for anyone interested in Molecular Nanotechnology, or science in general. It has caused me several epiphanies, and I'll never see the world the same again. For me, it has tied together many scientific concepts, and lead to a world view that I would otherwise never have grown into. I consider it the most awe inspiring book I've ever read, bar none. It's sometimes a little technical, but don't let that bother you. If you want to, you can skip over the heavy parts without losing the main concepts, and the concepts explored are more than worth it! Consider this: once you understand that Nanotech is real, and ALREADY in it's infancy, you can understand that immortality may be within our reach. That alone is worth reading 'Engines of Creation'! Best of luck to you, and maybe we'll meet in the awesome future we create! 8^)
Rating: 
Summary: Out of date
Review: i think that this book is boring
and i don't recommend anybody to read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting but meandering
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Engineer of Innovation
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Depends on what you're looking for
Review: If you're looking for speculation, if you're looking for an introduction to the concept of nanotech for your own personal edification (so you can brag about it to your buddies and score w/ chicks, cause chicks dig this stuff...you know, nanotech lipstick and instant outfit changes), if you're trying to become a science fiction writer and need some background info, than of course this book is for you.
If you're looking for hard science and a realistic blueprint for the next 10 years based on Drexler's ideas, look elsewhere (if there is anywhere else to look?) Nanotech is hazy--heat and Quantum Mechanics are a problem when it comes to moving individual atoms and their own lil subatomic particles around. I'm not convinced that Drexler solves the heat problem w/ division of labor, that's like saying someone who exercises for 30 minutes on the same workout won't sweat because he's only doing one thing--the energy and the exertion is still the there even if he cross-trains, doesn't disappear w/ repetitiveness. The heat problem is a big one, and the easiest for us to understand, as we may never fully understand Quantum Mechanics. Drexler claims QM doesn't affect atoms, only electrons. He's trying to view atoms as a whole instead of a sum of its parts. I know we've spelled IBM w/ atoms, changing the number of electrons and protons "manually" on a given atom is a different story *and* is subject to QM.
Nonetheless, these criticisms shouldn't deter oneself from the speculation, as the aforementioned problems very well may have solutions. The future will be fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: Best Nonfiction Nanotech Intro
Review: 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:
Summary: Great intro to the huge world of nanotechnology
Review: Read most of this book on a week's vacation and I loved every bit of it. Gives great examples of the power of nanotechnology even though it was written in the 80's. Once you get through the first couple of chapters, which are mostly overview of how the machines could be produced and defining terms, the author begins to make light of the tremendous possibilities that nanotechnology will bring to the world. Mostly deals with living in space, medicine, and resources. Last couple of chapters dealt with mainly of the consequences of this new technology and its social implications. Loved it all the way through and an exellent book for both beginners of the subject or someone that just likes to read about an interesting proposal for the future.
Rating:
Summary: Best Nonfiction Nanotech Intro
Review: THE best nonfiction intro to nanotechnology yet written--by the father of nanotechnology, K. Eric Drexler. The must-have book that started it all. If you'd like a dramatic presentation of what nanotechnology will be able to do once it's developed, read the new novel NANO by John Robert Marlow ("the most important piece of fiction written to date" says Nanotechnology Now's editor in his amazon review). ENGINES is the best nonfiction book on this topic; NANO the best fiction. Read 'em both.
Rating:
Summary: Now classic book
Review: This was the first book intended for the general reader, if not the first book ever, on nanotechnology. At the time, no real nanotechnology existed, but since Drexler wrote the book the time has arrived perhaps even more than he envisioned himself, as nanotech methods and concepts have permeated almost every area of engineering and science.
Drexler sets forth in very clear and concise terms what nanotechnology is and what the implications for the future will be. Although there are now dozens if not hundreds of books out on various aspects of nanotechnology, there remains no better introduction to the field that Drexler's original, very well written little book. He follow this with a much more technical exposition with the publication of his book, Nanotechnology, in 1991 (for which he was awarded his Ph.D. from M.I.T.)
By the way, I've met Drexler on several occasions as he was a colleague of one of my friends, and martial arts students (I used to teach a karate and tae kwon do class at his house where Drexler would occasionally drop by and say hello). It goes without saying that he is a brilliant guy and I enjoyed getting a chance to talk to him a several occasions, although his intellect vastly exceeds my own (I'm not bad for someone who's basically an over-educated pugilist and martial artist :-)). I remember at the time Drexler had been invited to speak in Japan at a major convention and the Japanese were very interested in what he had to say. Now, of course, there are labs all over the world both here and overseas where nanotechnology is being researched and developed.
Anyway, I apologize for the name-dropping but I just had to mention that. :-)
|
