This first volume in the series deals with the principles and fundamentals of nanotechnology, explaining what nanoscience and nanotechnology really means and, equally importantly, what it does not mean. Following an introduction, Chapter 2 discusses a scientifically unambiguous definition of nanotechnology and nanoscience, followed by a series of examples elucidating this definition in various fields, reaching from size effects up to complex biosystems. The next three chapters deal with the principles of generating effective nanosystems before considering the fundamental objects of quantum dots, wires, rods and tubes. Chapter 6 provides an insight into the fascinating nanoworld of biomolecule-nanoparticle hybrid systems, while philosophical and ethical aspects are discussed in Chapters 7 and 8. The whole is rounded off by a review of the outlook and consequences of nanotechnology.