The Reproductive System

The project: to produce self-replicating mechanisms -- identical cells equipped to repair intracellular breakdowns, convert power from their environments, and create new cells. But, suddenly the nondescript gray boxes are crawling around the lab, feeding voraciously on any metal they see -- and multiplying at an alarming rate. This insightful first novel announced the arrival of one of the most imaginative SF writers, and offers a fascinating look at the relationship between humans and robots.