Re: [Sci.nanotech] Re: Nanotechnology Redefined


steve@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

> First, I would like to say that I'm updating my nanotech
> dictionary/encyclopedia at nanoword.net and would be happy to consider
> suggestions for alternative definitions or additional words

I accidently ran across the definition of Tissue Engineering by
the National Science Foundation:

"Tissue Engineering is the application of principles and methods of
engineering and life sciences toward fundamental understanding of
structure-function relationship in normal and pathological mammalian
tissues and the development of biological substitutes to restore, retain
or improve tissue function."

I think that is a good definition, as
* the goal of the whole undertaking is stated
* T.E. is less {application of (some) principles and (some)
methods, and not the complete scientific field} and at the same time
more (interdisciplary, tissue as the new central concept, development)
* it's short
* it's not circular

Based on that, a draft for a definition of nanotechnology would
be:

"Nanotechnology is the application of principles and methods of
chemistry, physics, material science and engineering toward
fundamental understanding of [...; add perhaps something about
nano-phenomena, howto control them, the architecture of
the nano-world etc.]
and the development of devices and functional structures on
a microscopic scale"

I haven't included a specific length scale in the definition,
because I don't consider it vital to the definition.

Regards,
Oliver



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