Automatic quantum error correction

Criteria are given by which dissipative evolution in the weak coupling limi t can transfer populations and coherences between quantum subspaces. withou t a loss of coherence. The result is a form of quantum error correction imp lemented by the joint evolution of a system with a cold bath. It requires n o external intervention and, in principle, no ancilla. An example of such a system, consisting of three dipole ordered spin 1/2 particles in a resonat or, is given. The qubit, or the triple quantum coherence of the spins, is p rotected against all spin-flip errors.