Reuben Lucius Goldberg was an American cartoonist and inventor who is best known for his whimsical contraptions that performed basic tasks through highly complex chain reactions. His creations are often described using various synonyms, such as "Rube Goldberg machines", "Rube Goldberg devices", "Rube Goldberg inventions", or simply "Rubes". These machines are characterized by their convoluted nature, where each step in the chain reaction serves a specific function to ultimately achieve a simple result. Goldberg's work has been widely recognized and celebrated for its creativity, humor, and innovation, serving as an inspiration for countless other artists and inventors throughout the years.