fantastic

[11618]

A 240 year old doll that can write, a clockwork creation by Pierre Jaquet-Droz.

This 4 minute clip will fascinate just about all the engineers, artists, clock makers, doll makers, computer programers, or basically anyone
out there that likes to tinker.
It is truly amazing. Remember this was built in the 1770's.

http://www.chonday.com/Videos/the-writer-automaton

[11618]

A masterpiece of engineering without a £ tag

[dysondiver]

have a look for the silver swan , its non too shabby either

[11618]

swan is also very good

[11618]

The story of Pierre Jaquet Droz and his sons is one of the most moving in the history of Horology. Born in 1721, Pierre Jaquet Droz, master of time in the Age of Enlightenment -- mechanical genius, avant-garde creator of jewellery watchmaking and composer of poetry and dreams -- is one of the most fascinating figures of the period.

After a few years' absence from the world of watchmaking, and an intermediate period marked by the presence of foreign shareholders, the brand was acquired in 2000 by the Swatch Group. It returned to its town of origin, La Chaux-de-Fonds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WofWNcMHcl0

[77T]

Quite a feat of imaginative design and accomplishment.

[Psmith]

I watched a TV show a week or so ago about automata - including the writing doll. Fascinating stuff

[subtona]

Very cool reminds of the movie (book?) Hugo.