A Speaking Figure (1789)
 
MECHANICAL EXHIBITION
The CURIOUS and PHILOSOPHIC are respectfully informed that they may now be entertained with the sight of the most ASTONISHING PIECE of MECHANISM, The 
SPEAKING FIGURE, 
- "Which tho' inanimate will hold Discourse,
And with the Powers of Reason seem inspired." 
This agreeable artificial LADY is only 22 Inches high, is suspended in the Air by a Ribband, & will be taken down & held in the Hand,
Answers              all              Questions

That the numerous Visitors chuse to put to her, in the English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Dutch Languages, in a correct, judicious and perfect Manner. 

IF DESIRED SHE WILL
Ask            the            Question. 
 
 

Handbill, dated 1789, in Collecteanea: Or A Collection of Advertisements and Paragraphs From the Newspapers Relating to Various Subjects (London: Thomas Kirgate for Daniel Lyons), Vol. II, Publick Exhibitions and Places of Amusement, between ff. 240 and 24. BL: 1889 e 5
 

Compiled by Steven Connor. as part of The Dumbstruck Archive, a continuing, online supplement to Dumbstruck: A Cultural History of Ventriloquism (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000).