Full Idea
It seems to me that the opinion of those who transform or degrade the lower animals into mere machines, although it seems possible, is improbable, and even against the order of things.
Gist of Idea
To regard animals as mere machines may be possible, but seems improbable
Source
Gottfried Leibniz (New System and Explanation of New System [1696], p.116)
Book Reference
Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.116
A Reaction
His target is Descartes. 'Against the order of things' seems to beg the question. What IS the order of things? Only a thorough-going dualist would worry about this question, and that isn't me.