Theory of Self-Reproducing Automata

Von Neumann proved that an automaton needs a description (like DNA) and a constructor (like a cellular mechanism) to avoid a logical paradox where a machine must contain a description of something larger and more complex than itself. Using universal constructors, abstract machines, inside a 2D cellular space designed to read a set of instructions and build another machine. The result referred as Cellular Automata (CA), a grid of theoretical cells that change states based on the states of their neighboring cells. Fine in fine dust jacket, first edition. 5½" - 8½".