I really want one of these.

Reading through a new book by that science guy, I came across a footnote about this machine:

The ``Ultimate Machine,'' based on an idea of Mervin Minsky, was built in the early fifties. The operation and spirit were well described by Arthur C. Clarke in Voice Across the Sea: ``Nothing could be simpler. It is merely a small wooden casket, the size and shape of a cigar box, with a single switch on one face. When you throw the switch, there is an angry, purposeful buzzing. The lid slowly rises, and from beneath it emerges a hand. The hand reaches down, turns the switch off and retreats into the box. With the finality of a closing coffin, the lid snaps shut, the buzzing ceases and peace reigns once more. The psychological effect, if you do not know what to expect, is devastating. There is something unspeakably sinister about a machine that does nothing -- absolutely nothing -- except switch itself off.''