Memoirs of Robert-Houdin, ambassador, author and conjurer
CHAPTER IX.
Celebrated Automata--A Brazen Fly--The Artificial Man--Albertus Magnus and St. Thomas d’Aquinas--Vaucanson--His Duck--His Flute-Player--Curious Details--The Automaton Chess-Player--Interesting Episode--Catherine II. and M. de Kempelen--I repair the Componium--Unexpected Success......155