AUTOMATON, a self-moving machine, or one in which the principle of motion is contained within the mechanism itself (Gr. avros, self, and Alto), seize). The word is generally applied to contrivances which simulate the motions of animal life. If the human figure and actions be represented, the automaton has some times been called an androides. In 400 B.C. Archytas of Tarentum is said to have made a wooden pigeon that could fly, and during the middle ages numerous instances of the construction of automata are recorded. Regiomontanus is said to have made of iron a fly, which would flutter round the room and return to his hand, and also an eagle, which flew before the emperor Maximilian when he entered Nuremberg. The Swiss have always been celebrated for their mechanical ingenuity, and they construct most of the curious toys, such as flying and singing birds, which are frequently met with in industrial exhibitions. Kempelen's famous chess-player for many years astonished and puzzled Europe. This figure, however, was no true automaton, although the mechanical contrivances for concealing the real performer were exceedingly ingenious. J. N. Maskelyne (1875-8o) exhibited his automata, Psycho (who played cards) and Zoe (who drew pictures), at the Egyptian hall, London. (See CONJURING.) At the section of the British Indus tries Fair held in Birmingham, England (Feb. 1928) a sheet metal mechanical man, Io ft. high and weighing 1 cwt., was exhibited. Four small electric motors enabled this figure to stand up, operate the handle of a steel-cutting machine and, resuming his seat, to speak on the functions of the machinery made by the firm he represented. His appearance, however, was very unlike that of a human being. See ROBOT.