The concept of nanotechnology was already introduced in 1959 by Richard Feynman at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society. Feynman stated, "the principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of manoeuvring things atom by atom. It is not an attempt to violate any laws; it is something, in principle that can be done; but in practice, it has not been done because we are too big." The idea was stunning but did not receive the appropriate attention until the 1980s, when K. Eric Drexler, who also coined the term "nanotechnology", delivered a paper on molecular manipulation. This paper triggered further studies in the field of molecular nanotechnology, which is now seen as an anticipated technology based on molecular machines able to build objects to complex atomic specifications. The possibilities that had been identified include molecular manufacturing systems able to construct computers smaller than living cells, devices able to repair cells, diamond-based structural materials, and additional molecular manufacturing systems.

Given its possibilities, nanotechnology is widely used in the science-fiction genre. It is an integral part of such science-fiction movies as "The Fifth Element", "Terminator 1 and 2", "Matrix"and "Star Trek". The latter features nanorobots, called "Nanites", which are described in the book "Star Trek Science". In addition, "Star Trek" utilises nanotechnology for medical proposes. Nantotechnology also forms the core of various computer games.

In the book "Trader's World" by Charles Sheffield, rather detailed descriptions of various technological gadgets are given. One of these is a crystal spy dragonfly, which is assembled by a bottom-up approach. Its brain is synthesised in a complex way, being grown out of a crystal by nanotechnological means. Nanotechnology also makes a second appearance in the novel, in the form of the "Dulcinell Protocol", which is a nanotechnological supplement to the immune system, increasing its performance by an enormous degree. The being, which makes use of the Dulcinell protocol, has improved recovery from wounds (in terms of time and quality of the repair) and is even able to survive a radiation dose that would be lethal under normal circumstances.

Probably the best description of a future world dependent on the extensive use of nanotechnology is "The Diamond Age"by Neal Stephenson. This book describes Shanghai in the middle of the 21st century, where nanotechnology is used for every possible application, such as to build up muscles, to purify water and air, to provide the population with free food from public matter compilers, to store data and even to manufacture a whole island. All of the nanotechnology devices in Stephenson's book relate closely to Drexler's concepts, such as the rod logic nanocomputer, but Stephenson goes further than Drexler, as he is willing to show us the possible dangers of nanotechnology, such as voice-activated nanoprojectile launchers or "nanobiological warfare".

| Index | Appendices |