Sir—There are few things of which the present generation is more justly proud than of the wonderful improvements which are daily taking place in all sorts of mechanical appliances. And indeed it is matter for great congratulation on many grounds. It is unnecessary to mention these here, for they are sufficiently obvious; our present business lies with considerations which may somewhat tend to humble our pride and to make us think seriously of the future prospects of the human race.
DARWIN AMONG THE MACHINES
— [TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS, CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND, 13 JUNE, 1863.]
Samuel Butler, submitted under the pseudonym Cellarius