Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BRUTUS “Wait a minute, Prof,” I interrupted. “Are you telling me that you could build a machine to do my work for me} ee ki"s “Then I hope that you won't.” I picked up my broom and pretended to sweep the floor. ““What would I live on if you did?” “[ve already explained that,” he snapped impatiently. “Listen. We could fix a relay to open and close the windows and doors. We already have a thermostat to regulate the air conditioning. We could build a thing to rake out the furnace and another to dispose of the ashes. I’ve a little device in the cupboard to take care of sweeping the floors, a sort of self-operating vacuum cleaner that I’m saving as insurance in case I get fired. In fact we have everything already built to do anything you can do.” “Then why don’t you build it?” I gave up pretending to work and stared at Slats. He shrugged. 105 “‘What’s the point? If we built it then it would still take a man to operate it. The expense just wouldn’t be worth | A | I almost collapsed at that. With relief, you know. I'd had visions of having to go back to real work again, and after twenty years, that wasn’t something I looked forward to. The relief didn’t last long. “Once we solve the final problem we will build such an installation.”’ Slats grinned like a madman. “You see, Murphy, the only thing you have which a machine hasn’t is an efficient co-ordinating unit with built-in relays and computating equipment. I mean your brain. Once we can rig up something to take the place of that, then cyber- netics will be ready to move in.” “Can you ?”’ I was sweating as I asked the question. “Almost.” Slats sighed as if his last moment had come. “You see, we can’t build a unit small enough and cheap comicloooks.com