Molecular nanotechnology involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to produce materials and devices with very precise, predictable properties. This volume discusses the nature of nanotechnology and explains the differences between "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches to research.

Molecular nanotechnology involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules to produce materials and devices with very precise, predictable properties. This is the first volume to cover this new and exciting field. The book's 13 chapters feature:^L^DBLThe nature of nanotechnology^L^DBLDifferences between top-down and bottom-up research approaches^L^DBLPotential benefits and threats to society from future developments in nanotechnology^L^DBLCurrent nanotechnology research^L^DBLBrief biographical sketches of key individuals^L^DBLA chronology of important events^L^DBLSignificant documents^L^DBLCareers in nanotechnology^L^DBLData and statistics, especially in relation to President Clinton's National Nanotechnology Initiative of 2000^L^DBLA list of relevant organizations, research associations, corporations, and academic institutions^L^DBL A list of print and nonprint resources^L^DBLA glossary of commonly used terms