Samuel Butler (as 'Cellarius') · 1863
Darwin among the Machines
- Language
- English
- Form
- Periodical
- Text
- Full text
- English
- English original
- Source text
- gutenberg.org
- Selected
- Ben Breen, 2026-09-29; suggested by Claude research agents, 29 Sep 2026
- Status
- Arguments unverified; quotations chosen by machine, unchecked
Q01THINKING
Can a machine originate an idea that its maker did not supply?This answer is hidden while the authors build this question’s position key.
Q13SUCCESSION
Can machines undergo a process of evolution even when humans build and reproduce them?Yes. machines evolve. Argues that machines are evolving by the same process as organisms, with humans serving their reproduction, and will supplant humans.
The Press, Christchurch, 13 June 1863 (Wikipedia); Gutenberg #3279 Canterbury Pieces opened, contains the letter.
Q27CONTROL
Should a useful invention be restricted if its harmful consequences cannot be reliably controlled?Yes. destroy machines before they escape control. Signed 'Cellarius', the letter argues machines are evolving toward supremacy over man and that 'war to the death' should be proclaimed and every machine destroyed.
Reprinted in A First Year in Canterbury Settlement, with Other Early Essays (1914), IA text read; note says it appeared in the Christchurch Press, 13 June 1863. Tone partly satirical.