Automaton

(au-tom'a-ton.) [Gr., self-acting.] Aname given to every mechanical construction, which, by virtue ofa latent intrinsic force obvious to the sight, can carry on for a certain length of time such movements as resemble those of an animal. But the term is generally applied to the figure of an animal, to which motion is given by wheels, springs, and weights, internally placed, and causing apparent animation. The practice of making these automata is much le frequent at present than formerly; ingenious mechanicians now finding themselves better rewarded by directing their talents to the self-acting machinery of modern manufactures. [s. 63]