Robert Willis

“ In all machines requiring to be wound up, two consequences are inseparable from their construction: the first is, that, in winding up the machinery, the key is limited in the number of its revolutions; and the second is, that some relative proportion must be constantly [Pg 21] maintained betwixt the winding up and the work performed, in order to enable the machine to continue its movements. Now these results are not observable in the Chess Player; for the Automaton will sometimes execute sixty-three moves with only one winding up ”

“ Having now shewn how difficult, and perhaps impossible, it would be to execute the movements of the Chess Player by mechanism, and maintain, at the same time, a communication with the agent, who would be required to give life, as it were, and intelligence to the operations, it becomes necessary to inquire whether the prevailing opinion, which attributes these movements to machinery, be, or be not, established in fact ”

“ One uniform order, or routine, is strictly adhered to, and this circumstance alone is sufficient to awaken suspicion, for it shews plainly that more is intended by the disclosure than is permitted to meet the eye. ”

“ Setting aside a great variety of minor details, it will be evident to any person, even slightly acquainted with mechanics, that the execution of these movements, so extensive, so complicated, and so variable, would be attended with difficulties almost insurmountable; but we [Pg 13] will suppose for a moment that these obstacles are overcome; let it be conceded that a machine has been constructed so perfect, that, on giving motion to the respective trains, the required movement shall be instantly performed. ”

“ Maelzel’s mode of exhibiting the interior differs from that which Mr. de Kempelen employed. “But do not imagine,” says De Windisch, “like many others, that the inventer shuts one door as he opens another; the entire Automaton is seen at the same time uncovered, his garments turned up, and the drawer opened, as well as all the doors of the chest.” ”

“ When all is ready, and the pipe removed, the exhibiter may turn round the winder, or key, to give the impression to the spectators of winding [Pg 32] up a spring, or weight, and to serve as a signal to the player to set the head of the Automaton in motion. ”

“ The candle being withdrawn, the door (b) is then locked. The drawer (g g, fig. 1.) in the front of the chest is next opened, and a set of chess men, a small box of counters, and a cushion for the support of the Automaton’s arm, are taken out of it. The exhibiter now opens the two front doors (c c, fig. 1.) of the large cupboard, and the back door (d, fig. 2.) of the same, and applies a candle as in the former case. This cupboard is lined with cloth like the other, but [Pg 7] it contains only a few pieces of machinery. ”