About 1945 I saw a short color film, possibly a Popular Science film,
which showed "Isis Playing the Zither" and the man that had built her.
It seems to me that they said he was a dentist, though I could be
wrong about that fifty-five years later.

The man walked around and opened doors and panels to show the interior
workings and explained a little bit about Isis, then did something that
caused Isis to play the zither.  The camera zoomed in for several tight
shots showing the actual mechanism doing the actual playing of the
zither.  It wasn't something hidden out of sight that was playing --
it was the actual instrument right there on her lap.

Of course, I was totally fascinated by that film and have always
remembered it.  I wonder whatever became of those Popular Science
films.  Do you suppose they still exist somewhere?

The photograph is from a book published in Czechoslovakia about thirty
five years ago.  The only text under the photo is "Isis playing the
zither, made by C. E. Nixon."  The inscription at the bottom of the
automaton in the photo says

  "I am all that was, and is, and is to be,
   and no mortal hath lifted my veil."

The name of the book is "Mechanical Musical Instruments", by Alexander
Buchner.  It's by the Batchworth Press, London, and was printed in
Czechoslovakia.  There is no date or any copyright notice in it
anywhere that I could find.  Translated by Iris Urwin.

I think at the time that it was the most money I'd ever spent for
a book of any sort, seventy-five dollars.  At the time my wife wasn't
very happy about me spending so much for a book but I survived the
storm.  It's an interesting book.

Hal Davis

 [ The inscription is from the temple of Neit (Greek: Neith), the
 [ virgin huntress of ancient Egypt, goddess of war and domestic arts,
 [ and quite obviously identified with Athena and Artemis by the
 [ Greeks.  Her name signifies "I came from myself."  This deity
 [ represents not only creative power, but also abstract Intelligence,
 [ Wisdom or Light.  Ref http//www.paganism.com/ag/articles/god.html
 [ I'll place the photo at the MMD Pictures site.  Thanks for 
 [ remembering to send it to <editor@foxtail.com>.  :)   -- Robbie