Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Machinery, Amusement, Human Development, Invention

    Discusses an advertisement for 'un baby mécanique', a French invention that can imitate most of the characteristics of a real baby, including crawling, walking, and screaming. Ponders the possible uses of such an invention and its suitability as a present. Envisions that 'competitors' to the 'toy-baby' will soon 'spring up', including 'mechanical boys and girls' capable of 'all sorts of pleasant pranks' and 'a mechanical prize baby show' where 'advertising Frankensteins will exhibit their monsters'. Advises that the first prize in the latter show should go to the baby who exhibits none of the irritating habits of real babies.