Jacques de Vaucanson
From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
Jacques de Vaucanson created the clockwork duck in the 18th century. (PROSE: The Adventuress of Henrietta Street)
Behind the scenes
de Vaucanson's first name is not given, but as "Adventuress" is written in a historical sense and refers to his real-life creation, it is implied to be the same person.