Summary

To illustrate the changing impact of robots on the people of Earth through her lifetime, Dr. Calvin tells the reporter the story of Stephen Byerley. Byerley was accused by his political opponent for the Mayoralty of being a robot. This was based on the fact that Byerley had never been seen eating, drinking, or sleeping. The opponent, Quinn, went to Dr. Alfred Lanning to prove Byerley was a robot. However, during a meeting, Byerley ate an apple, convincing Lanning he was not a robot. Dr. Calvin, who was also present at the meeting, admitted to doubts because she said that anyone trying to make a robot that could pass as a human would make it capable of eating small amounts.

Quinn later sent officials to Byerley’s house to search his home and his body to prove him a robot. However, as a...