X-Message-Number: 14313
From: "George Smith" <>
References: <>
Subject: YES.  Nanotech BREAKTHROUGH reported by Bell Labs.  (Get used to it).
Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 13:49:42 -0700

Breakthrough: "a sudden advance in knowledge or technique" (Webster).

I DO think that the successful creation of the first nanotech motor is a
breakthrough by ANY MEANINGFUL DEFINITION OF THE WORD "BREAKTHROUGH".

The ability to manipulate atoms and molecules at nano levels with "tweezers"
requires that you first be able to make tweezers which can work.

THIS HAS JUST BEEN DONE.  (Read Nature this month for details or see
http://www.FreeRepublic.com/forum/a3993a29d0e8e.htm).

IT HAS BEEN DONE BY BELL LABS.  (Not the Clem Kadidlehopper Foundation).

Before this, it has NOT been done.

THAT is a BREAKTHROUGH.

Examples of breakthroughs versus consequences of breakthroughs:

When Goddard launched the first liquid fuel rocket THAT was a breakthrough.

NOT when we lauched the Saturn 5 liquid fuel moon rocket.  THAT was a
consequence.

When the first atom was split in Chicago THAT was a breakthrough.

NOT when we detonated the first atom-splitting bomb in New Mexico.  THAT was
a consequence.

When the Wright Brothers first flew a few hundred feet at Kitty Hawk THAT
was a breakthrough.

NOT when we made the first transatlantic passenger flight across the
Atlantic.  THAT was a consequence.

When the first words were written down THAT was a breakthrough.

NOT when the first dictionary of word defintions was written.  THAT was a
consequence.

Breakthrough: "a sudden advance in knowledge or technique" (Webster)

Bell Labs and Oxford University have announced to the world the creation of
the first nanotech DNA motor.

They did NOT report that they have developed a mature and fully tested
nanotechnology for medical application.

They reported a breakthrough.

Get used to it.

You might even feel good about it.

George Smith
"I write for those who are not prematurely neurosuspended".

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