Nanotechnology is an emerging technology of the very small. A technology
that will enable manufacturing on the scale of nanometres, or billionths of a metre. As defined by Eric Drexler, Nanotechnology is based on the manipulation of atoms and molecules to build structures to complex, atomic specifications. Nanotechnology will completely transform information technology, biotechnology, and materials technology, enabling us to build self-replicating engines of
abundance, engines of healing, and engines of destruction.
Nanotechnology will bring a revolution more profound than any in the history of civilization. In the spirit of the Foresight Institute,we aim to provide access to the growing resources on Nanotechnology, to help prepare for this coming revolution. We believe that it is not too soon to start preparing.
This preparation involves work on the following:
to appreciate its real opportunities and how to exploit them
to realise its dangers and how to avoid them
A good introduction to the subject appears in J. Storrs Hall's Introduction to Nanotechnology adapted from papers by Ralph C. Merkle and Eric Drexler. A set of frequently asked questions, FAQ is available at the Rutgers' archives. A list of sites is also available: NanoLink - Key Nanotechnology Sites on the Web
E. F. Schumacher, economist, journalist and progressive entrepreneur, was the originator of the concept of Intermediate Technology for developing countries and Founder and Chairman of Intermediate Technology Development Group Ltd. He also served as President of the Soil Association (Britain's largest organic farming organization) and as Director of the Scott-Bader Company (pathfinders in polymer chemistry and common ownership). He died in 1977.
The Schumacher Lectures take place every year to honour his memory. The lectures are presented by the Schumacher Society in association with the Soil Association, the Intermediate Technology Development Group and the New Economics Foundation. The 1994 Lectures are available on the Web.
From the title of the book by E. F. Schumacher, Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered (London: Abacus by Sphere Books Ltd, 1974, first published by Blond and Briggs Ltd, 1973).
Although Schumacher was not referring to the nanoscale or microscale world, his concern about the economics of permanence is particularly relevant for all of us.
Schumacher poses the question: "What is it that we really require from the scientists and technologists?"
His answer:
Out of these three characteristics is born non-violence and a relationship of man to nature which guarantees permanence."
Now more than ever, as we stand on the brink of breakthroughs that will usher in the final industrial revolution, we need to incorporate wisdom into the very structure of our scientific methodology and our technological approaches. As Schumacher writes: "Wisdom requires a new orientation of science and technology towards the organic, the gentle, the non-violent, the elegant and beautiful." (Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered p. 27.)
From the Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture by E. F. Schumacher in Barbados, November 29th 1976. Quoted in George McRobie, Small is Possible (London: Abacus by Sphere Books Ltd, 1982, first published by Jonathan Cape Ltd, 1981)