Editing Molecular assembler (section)

==Formal scientific review==
In 2006, the [[National Academy of Sciences|U.S. National Academy of Sciences]] released the report of a study of molecular manufacturing (not molecular assemblers per se) as part of a longer report, ''A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative''<ref>{{cite book|title=A Matter of Size: Triennial Review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative - The National Academies Press|doi=10.17226/11752|year=2006|isbn=978-0-309-10223-0|last1=Council|first1=National Research|last2=Sciences|first2=Division on Engineering Physical|last3=Board|first3=National Materials Advisory|last4=Initiative|first4=Committee to Review the National Nanotechnology}}</ref> The study committee reviewed the technical content of ''Nanosystems'', and in its conclusion states that no current theoretical analysis can be considered definitive regarding several questions of potential system performance, and that optimal paths for implementing high-performance systems cannot be predicted with confidence. It recommends funding for experimental research to produce experimental demonstrations in this area:

{{in5}}"Although theoretical calculations can be made today, the eventually attainable range of chemical reaction cycles, error rates, speed of operation, and [[Thermodynamic efficiency|thermodynamic efficiencies]] of such bottom-up manufacturing systems cannot be reliably predicted at this time. Thus, the eventually attainable perfection and complexity of manufactured products, while they can be calculated in theory, cannot be predicted with confidence. Finally, the optimum research paths that might lead to systems which greatly [[Thermodynamic efficiency limit|exceed the thermodynamic efficiencies]] and other capabilities of biological systems cannot be reliably predicted at this time. Research funding that is based on the ability of investigators to produce experimental demonstrations that link to abstract models and guide long-term vision is most appropriate to achieve this goal."