| Paper Automata: Part IIA little more history |
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The first time automata appear in the historical record is from ancient Egypt.
These figures were used both as toys for young children and as tools which could demonstrate basic scientific principles.
When the ancient engineering writer Hero of Alexandria's texts were translated into Latin
in the 16th century many of his works were recreated into automata form.
These designs included siphons, a fire engine, a water organ and other water powered machines.
The sixteenth century witnessed a considerable revival of interest in automata. Numerous clockwork automata were manufactured but these devices were usually found only in the royal courts of Europe.
When Louis XIV of France was still a child, an artisan named
Camus
designed for him a miniature coach, and horses complete with footmen, page and a lady in the coach. To the amazement of the young king and the court, all these figures moved in perfect tandem.
One of the most ingenius automatons was created by
French
engineer
Jacques de Vaucanson
in
1737.
His mechanical
duck
could eat and then poop, seeming to prove a new idea of the time, that animals are no more than machines made of flesh. His duck was revealed centuries later to be a hoax.
The concept of these mechanized toys continued to evolve during the 18th and 19th centuries into the world of paper.
Despite the simplicity of the material, paper automatons are actually creations based on a high degree of engineering technology.
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The clock-jack, or jaquemart, is a mechanical human figure who strikes the time on a bell.
This example, from a British church, and dated approximately 1480, stands over 4 feet tall, and is constructed of painted wood, and strikes the hours on a bell with his axe.
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This British "Jack-o-the-Clock" dates from about 1680 and resides at the Cathedral of the Marshes.
Figures such as these were often meant to strike reverential fear into the hearts of simple peasant worshippers in the church.
The more familiar and simple cuckoo clock is a primitive example of an automaton in which a carved wooden bird appears on the hour to announce the time.
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One of the best places today to find paper automata that you can make yourself is at Automata Magic.
This ingenious design group creates moving paper models and automata kits which are made out of card stock.
Each model come with illustrated instructions.
The only tools needed are glue, a ruler, scissors, a cutting knife and cutting pad (a simple piece of scrap cardboard will work just as well).
Simply cut out the pieces, score and fold along the line, glue and assemble the parts together.
Once completed, turn the handle and see your creation comes to life!
The paper automata models take between 2 and 3 hours to create depending on the experience and skill level.
Very young paper artists should work with an adult for the more complex models.
Automata Magic set out to create a series of automata "that make people happy."
We couldn't agree more!
For more about the wonderful world of Automata Magic by CeraCera please visit them at:
www.ceracera.com.
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