"Our Folder" Volume 9

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ...celebrated Automaton Chess Player. After the tleceas-eof the ingenious proprietor, his curiosities nnd effects were sold at auction, and Dr. John K. Mitchell, a gent1enan of learning and science in Philadelphia, purchased (he Chess Player as ft is stated, 'to satisfy himself of the secret w hich had baffled all previou seacbes." The writer says: --The cunning Maelzel, --previous to his fast de p-arture for ihe Havana--intending ir leave the Automaton Chens Player hp re in hi More, designedly dismembered ir in such a manner, that the various parts filled Jive boxes, Qj)d were packed with some 'ol the machinery of the exhibition of the Carousel, &c. Such a chaos of nvtving' wooden membranes and brass muscles, the Doctor had probably never encountered at his dissect ing room; but his-energy and perseverance snr mutinied all difficulties, and he had the satisdaclion of re-creating-and to give the requisite n nianon to the ort nal form ol the Turk. That Dr. Mitchell has mnstered the Sicret of ihe complexed movement! of llic Autoinaton Chess Player, is evident Iroin the fact, that not only myself, but a number of bis friends, and Amateurs, whom lor aeverrl evenings, he had ihe politeness to in vue to ihe private exhibition ofihe Automaton a his office, have seen it in lull operation. It must have required some skill and no small stock of patience to have collected the numerous wheels, anus, hands, and other machinery, from five boxes, and to have placed the whole together as first arranged by the skilful inventor; but we apprehend the learned Dociordid not requ.re any uncommon genius to falhom the mystery of the Turk movements nder the disclosures that look place previoo? to ihe death of Maelzcl. We have no objection to our Philadelphia...