The idea that the interdependence between parts would have implications for the origins of living things was raised by writers starting with Pierre Gassendi in the mid-17th century and by John Wilkins (1614-1672), who wrote (citing Galen), "Now to imagine, that all these things, according to their several kinds, could be brought into this regular frame and order, to which such an infinite number of Intentions are required, without the contrivance of some wise Agent, must needs be irrational in the highest degree."
A idea de que a interdependencia entre as partes pode ter implicacións para a orixe dos seres vivos establecérona diversos autores, comezando por Pierre Gassendi a mediados do século XVII e John Wilkins, que escribiu (citando a Galeno), "Agora imaxinade que todas estas cousas, de acordo cos seus varios tipos, poden ser colocadas na súa forma e orde regular, para a cal un número infinito de intencións son necesarias, sen o proxecto dun axente intelixente debe ser irracional no máis alto grao."