1959 – Nico, St. Nikolaus and SamiKlause – Peter Steuer (Swiss)

SABOR with younger "brother" Nico (left) in Chicago. A video clip of SABOR's younger brother and sister can be found on the Archivio Storico Istituto Luce site  here.  The site is in Italian. Check box "archivio cinematografico" and search on "Notizie brevi da Gossau". Girl reading brochure on SABOR as handed out by Nico (Gossau, St Gallen, …

1903 – “The Wonderful Electric Elephant” – Frances T. Montgomery (American)

The Wonderful Electric Elephant Written in 1903 by Frances T. Montgomery, The Wonderful Electric Elephant is children's story in which Harold and Ione take a trip around the world in a life-sized mechanical elephant. The tale describes their magnificent adventure and journey. Interestingly for this site though, the book was illustrated by Cassius M. Coolidge, …

1945c – Voltaire – William Jean Arrendorff – (British)

I have very little information on Voltaire and his "robot".  The information below is from the link now dead www.magician.org.uk/hmc/archive-2-2005-01.html 9.2 In Town Tonight – Voltaire posted 29/01/05 by Richard Morrell in Oracle Articles [No comments] Many magicians know the wonderful act of Mr. Electric – Marvyn Roy. The subject of my In Town Tonight …

1986 – Power Loader from “Aliens” the Movie

The popularisation of “Man-Amplifiers” was largely due to the movie “Aliens” directed by James Cameron and released in 1986. Earlier scenes introduce it as it is, a power loader for heavy materials. Ripley later uses it as an equaliser for a “mano e mano” with the queen alien. Earlier concept by Syd Mead. Later designs by …

7th Century – Mechanical Elephant Legend – (Hindu, Buddhist, Indian)

Popular 7th Century legend on King Udayana. King Pradyota of Ujjain wanted to capture rival king Udayana. King Udayana was very fond of music and of capturing wild elephants, and Pradyota trapped him by luring him out of the limits of his Kingdom into the pursuit of a faked elephant. Taken captive, Udayana was treated …