M&D to 360 (spoilers)

[Sean Hoade]

On Fri, 9 May 1997, Steven L. Bender wrote:

> since the cheese really existed, i can't help but wonder if anyone is aware of
> a historical precedent for the amorous mechanical duck? (not to mention the
> learned english dog).

Dunno about the dog, but I was highly amused to read about the mechanical
duck, because in the histroy of automata, there is the story of a French
mechanical duck that quacked, swam in a small pool, ate, and even
performed bodily functions, all for an entranced audience.  Only written
accounts of the duck survive-- no "blueprints" or any such record.  As for
falling in love, well...

Sean