Dial F for Frankenstein

Clarke, Arthur C. "Dial F for Frankenstein." Playboy Feb. 1965. Coll. Wind from the Sun. New York: Harcourt, 1972. Rpt. The Playboy Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Chicago: Playboy P, 1966.

Machine-takeover story in which ". . . the international telephone system reaches a stage of 'criticality,' finally has enough switches, as the human brain has enough neurons, to become conscious. The giant brain so formed is . . . a childlike superbeing who starts 'looking around' for something to do" (J. Hollow, Against the Night, q.v. under Literary Criticism). Cf. computer in R. Heinlein's ''Moon. . .''; see under Drama, LAWNMOWER MAN.