When James Watt built his big steam-engines for industry, he invented a feedback device, a system which now plays a vital part in automation. Feedback【B1】that a machine can control its own【B2】. Watt's invention was the 'governor',【B3】task was to keep the engine speed【B4】, detect an unnecessary or dangerous【B5】of engine power, and reduce it【B6】closing the steam valve. No one would suggest that a machine with such a【B7】device can 'think'. Let's look at some modem electronic【B8】which is not as easily understandable【B9】that of Watt's 'governor'. The British scientist, Dr. Gray Walter, built two【B10】'tortoises' in the 50's. It was really difficult to believe that these animals were【B11】but assemblies of electronic components and batteries. They could 'see' an electric light trod approach it they could negotiate obstacles【B12】their path such as a book by going【B13】it they were able to【B14】bumping into each other and they ran back to their【B15】place when they felt 'hungry', in other words, when their batteries were getting low. They would even have 'nervous break-down' two lamps【B16】of one made them uncertain—which they should approach, and one could almost feel their agony of being unable to decide what to do,【B17】the little things move here and there【B18】their batteries needed recharging. The artificial tortoises or any other electronic devices have of course no brain with which to think. All they did is to【B19】the instructions we give them this, however, they can do very well, under the【B20】of man. 【B1】