X-Message-Number: 12782
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #12776 - #12780
Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1999 00:17:05 +1100 (EST)

And also (I had to get out of my net accessing system to make sure, since
I have no extra copies) I actually discussed the article on nanocircuits
in the July 16 issue of SCIENCE in PERIASTRON.

Those on Cryonet who subscribe can look that up for themselves.

While I would cheer on all attempts to get over the silicon barrier to
make smaller computers, I must add that such abilities will help but
hardly solve the problems we have in reviving someone who has been badly
suspended and thus brain-damaged. The most critical issue in such cases is
that of recovering their memory; and at least for me, I would hardly be 
satisfied by lots of versions of myself each containing one of many 
POSSIBLE sets of memories... especially since we don't yet understand 
memory completely (though we are far ahead of where we were only 10 
years ago). 

The distinction made recently between blueprints and general plans is
important if we really wish to solve this problem rather than go into
quasi-religious ecstasy. And as for waking up and finding that George
Smith's predictions came true, a lot depends on just how long we've
been in suspension. Sure, we'll wake up to lots of wonderful things...
but everything takes time, the more time the more complex the job
is. And the use of computers to speed up our understanding isn't at
all so simple, itself (the major thing to do in science is to ask
the right questions, and that isn't at all easy to do, and even harder
to get a computer to do INDEPENDENTLY OF US).

			Best wishes and long long life to all, again,

				Thomas Donaldson

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