Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-10-11
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE
CFrom the albany Daily .4dvertissr. ]

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MAELzEL,-Thi ingenious man has made a
fortune by his exhibitions in the United States,
and so NAV any other ingenious man. There is
no country. in the world which pays so we'll for
its amusements or its curiosity, as ours.
HIS Affirmation Chess PLAYER, after astonish.
ing the two continents, is now about to visit the
West Indies. The secret Of its movement il
vet undiscovered. We are surprized at the
readiness with which the ConpiIers of Magazines,
and the Editors OF Encyclopedias have given in.
TO the notion that dtoaLfis concealed in the
box attached to the figure. The London En-.
cyclopedia contains some well executed plates,
showing how figaro could be concealed. But
in our humble judgment. and in this we have
the concurrent opinion Of the Editor of the Bos.
ton Journal, Mr.. Dfaeizei is the directing poWer,
aud there is no other. The dwarf must be long
suffering creature to consent TO sit doubled up
FOE SO many years, in order to oblige the propre.
ter, aud ruin bis own health, or else the dwarf
race must be very accommodating to have had
a member Of their family ready at moments
warning to 60 all over the world and play chess for
Won Kempelen aud Maelzel, during the last so
years! Who ever heard this little man sneeze
or cough? BE the exhibition ever so crowded,
or the room ever so hot or cold, no noise is ever
hard from the mannikin! "All around is
Silent"
There are some circumstances connected with
the Automaton Chess PLAYER confirming US in
the opinion that Mr.. Maeizel directs its move.
ments.
First. Machinery has been constructed 10 do
things as difficult as to play chess. MIR. Bah
bage's calculating machine is Tar more astonish
ing
Second. All the movements of the Automa-
ton may be referred to two simple ones, one for
ward to any gwen line of squares, and the other
at right angles TO the former extending to any Civ
en- square. If the arm which is set in motion
and opens its thumbs mechanically can be stop
ped at pleasure in these two directions, the great
difficulty IS overcome.
Third. Because the figure never played with
out Mr.. Mae!zel's first touching the chess board,
and carefully handling the piece corresponding
with that played by ITS adversary. His Pauses
we're often very great even in placing this piece
which would have been done instantly, u the
dwarf PLAYED the game. The figure always NOV.
cd Immediately after Mr.. Maelzel stepped back.
Fourth. Because the American Automaton
unqlestionably contained no dwarf. but was NOV
ed by machinery, and it inflated Mr.. Maelzels
closely. 1t played with it's left arm, the person
managing the machine could use HIS right arm,
evidently showing that his convenience was con.
suited before that Of any person inside. For the
person inside would have been obliged TO use his
lief, arm in playing
Filth. Because the American machine was at
first very often beaten. As soon, however, as the
propret tor increased his stock Of books on the sub
ject Of chess, and improved 10 his own playing,
the machine improved and not before.
Sixth. Because the American proprietor hav.
ing announced that he had some idea OF discover
ing the secret to the public upon getting certain
sum Of money subscribed or made up TO him, Mr..
Maelzel boughtthe machine!
The American proprietor would never have da'
red the risk upon the moneys being SO raised, to
have told the public " there is nothing curious
about it-aiter all dwarf plays the game" tie
was too shrewd and sensible person for that.
Our reasons are not all given, but We think
there is enough 10 them to convince our readers,
that the Attenuation is a machine OF admirable
yet simple construction, and that It'll directed by
Mr.. Maelzel. The doubts that have arisen. Mr..
MaelZel no doubt wishes to continue. Take
away the mystery, and the Automaton would not
have made its masters fortune.