Jacques de Vaucanson

24 February 1709 – 21 November 1782

Jacques de Vaucanson was a French inventor famed for his lifelike automata, including the Flute Player and the celebrated Digesting Duck. As royal inspector of silk manufacture he built the first automated loom, anticipating the punched-card control later perfected by Jacquard, and he made lasting contributions to machine tools.

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Life events

Born in Grenoble, France
24 February 1709

Jacques de Vaucanson was born on 24 February 1709, the tenth child of a poor glove-maker.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Educated by the Jesuits and briefly joined the Order of Minims
c. 1725 – c. 1728

Vaucanson studied under the Jesuits in Grenoble and entered the Minim order in Lyon as a novice, where he began building mechanical devices before leaving religious life.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Moved to Paris to pursue mechanics
c. 1728

Around 1728 Vaucanson settled in Paris, where he studied anatomy and mechanics and sought patrons for his automaton projects.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Exhibited the Flute Player automaton
1738

In 1738 Vaucanson presented to the public a life-size android that actually played the flute, astonishing Paris and the Académie des sciences.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Unveiled the Digesting Duck and the Tambourine Player
1739

In 1739 Vaucanson exhibited two further automata, including the famous gilded-copper duck that appeared to eat, drink and digest.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed inspector of silk manufacture
1741

In 1741 Cardinal Fleury appointed Vaucanson inspector of France's silk manufactories, charging him with reforming and mechanizing the industry.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Built the first automated loom
1745

In 1745 Vaucanson created an automatic loom controlled by perforated cards, a concept later refined by Joseph Marie Jacquard.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to the French Academy of Sciences
1746

Vaucanson became a member of the Académie des sciences in 1746 in recognition of his mechanical inventions.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Paris, bequeathing his machine collection to the French crown
21 November 1782

Jacques de Vaucanson died on 21 November 1782; his collection of machines and tools became a founding part of the Conservatoire des arts et métiers.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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