What a fascinating story! The “Draughtsman-Writer,” as the clockwork boy is known, is the most complex automaton of its kind: it writes poetry in elaborate script! It was created in London in the late 18th Century, and now resides at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA, where it is cared for by volunteer Charles Penniman, who is 85. Read more here. (Hat tip to John Semper Jr. for the link, which includes a wonderful video.)
[Those of you who have seen the film, “Hugo,” will find this story especially charming.]
