Leonardo Torres y Quevedo

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Leonardo Torres y Quevedo

1852-1936

Spanish mathematician and engineer who built an algebraic equation-solving machine, a robot that could play a chess endgame, and in 1920 demonstrated that calculations of any kind could be achieved by purely mechanical means. Due to his dislike of writing, he left behind few descriptions of his many inventions, which included innovative and practical designs for aero-ships and the cable-car line at Niagara Falls, Ontario.