Nanosystems: Molecular Machinery, Manufacturing, and Computation

This is the book that started it all: The basic principles of practical machinery built on a molecular scale. The book assumes that you've got a working knowledge of physics, chemistry, and the requisite fields of mathematics underlying them so don't expect any hand holding beyond the introduction. If you're serious about studying nanotechnology (and if you're studying it in college, this is probably your textbook, anyway) this is the perfect place to start.

Bought this title on the recommendation of an existing owner. Very comprehensive work, and considerably more involved that Drexler's earlier, more "general interest" publications.For those interested in Nanotechnology, and the underlying theory / practicalities / limitations, this would be a very useful introductory to intermediate level text. Makes a good "companion" volume to Robert Freitas's Kinematic Self-Replicating Machines (which whilst not concerned solely with nanotechnology, does have a great deal in common with Drexler's book). Excellent reference list so plenty of opportunity for further directed reading for those who might wish to proceed further.Overall, a "Very Good Buy"!!

It is rare to see an entire new field of study arise in science and engineering. It is even rarer to see it explored so lucidly by a single mind. "Nanosystems" is an astonishing tour de force.This book is not light weight. It is not going to be readable for people who do not already have a substantial background in the sciences. It is an in depth and extremely careful analysis of the possibility of the creation of molecular machines and the fundamental physical limits that technology faces. The pages are packed with well described calculations and everything is fully footnoted and referenced.Some people have criticized Drexler's vision, but is rare that the critics have actually read his work. In almost every case, he has already anticipated and discussed their objections in extraordinary detail. It is, in fact, amazing to see all the problems he has anticipated and analyzed, in depth and with great care.If you are serious about your interest in nanotechnology, you must read this book. It will take you quite some time, but the information you will gain is invaluable, and much of it is available nowhere else.My only criticism is that it is long past time for a new edition -- much has been learned in the last 15 years and it would be valuable to have it all collected in one place.

Terrorable book

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.

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.

Dr. Drexler, I carefully studied your book for the first time in February 2000. I studied it once again in August. I now frequently refer to the notes I have made in my copy of your book.Your book is an excellent guide. Thank you for inviting me to the field of nanotechnology.Sincerely,Kenneth L. Buckingham, Founder Tiny Technology, Inc.

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.

A book that can be read on many levels. A how we can do nanotech from the inventer.

It is very advanced, the calculus is beyond my ability but I still understand the concepts of what is being written about, I am very interested in the future of nanobiology and nanoengineering, the reality of nanotechnology in all fields of science is so close, and exciting.

ナノテクノロジーの基礎や応用について書かれており、Engines ofCreationでの発想を基に、アイディアだけでなく理論に基づいた具体的な説明に進んでいる。この本は、よくあるカーボンナノチューブや半導体プロセス等の現在ナノテクノロジーといわれている物の上辺の知識を集めた本とは全く違い、あくまでテキスト的な要素が非常に強く、それらを扱う上での理論やさらに進んだナノシステムについての理論的考察について書かれている。かなり詳しく説明もされているが、ナノテクノロジーという幅の広い分野を扱っている為、例えば量子力学や統計力学等の基本的な知識は前提としているので、それらの知識が無いと読むのはかなりつらいと思う。