The Jaquet-Droz Androids are (nearly) alive and well and living in
Neuchatel, Switzerland.  It was a great experience to see them demon-
strated by their "daddy", Mr.  Amstutz, in a private showing this
summer.  He had opened the backs of the "children" so that we could
see how they worked up close.  They're truly amazing, especially
considering that they were constructed in the mid 18th century.  They
are in beautiful condition, and are restored on a regular basis to
keep them that way.

The "Scribe" is totally programable, with cams to create any letters
needed for complete sentences.  The "Draughtsman" is a darling little
boy who can draw several different things; his special drawing for us
was a small dog, which he then labeled "my doggy" -- in French, of
course.  And the "Musician" is a lovely young girl whose hands play the
keys of a small organ (which can be played manually also).  She
breathes as she plays and does a small polite bow at the end of her
performance.

Nothing you read or see on a video can prepare you for the experience
of seeing these "children" perform in person.

Beatrice Robertson