This ingenious explanation of the chess automaton is, our author states, greatly confirmed by the _regular and undeviating_ mode of disclosing the interior of the chest; and he also shows that the facts which have been observed respecting the winding up of the machine, “afford positive proof that the axis turned by the key is quite free and unconnected either with a spring or weight, or any system of machinery.” In order to make the preceding description more intelligible, I shall add the following more detailed explanation of the figures. Fig. 66 is a perspective view of the automaton seen in front with all the doors thrown open. Fig. 67 is an elevation of the automaton, as seen from behind. Fig. 68 is an elevation of the front of the chest, the shaded figure representing the inclosed player in his first position, or when the door A is opened. Fig. 69 is a side elevation, the shaded figure representing the player in the same position. Fig. 70 is a front elevation, the shaded figure showing the player in his second position, or that which he takes after the door B and screen I are closed, and the great cupboard opened. Fig. 71 is a front elevation, the shaded figure showing the player in his third position, or that in which he plays the game. Fig. 72 is a side elevation showing the figure in the same position. Fig. 73 is a horizontal section of the chest through the line WW in Fig. 71. Fig. 74 is a vertical section of the chest through the line XX in Fig. 73. [Illustration: _Fig. 75._] [Illustration: _Fig. 76._] Fig. 75 is a vertical section through the line YY Fig. 71, showing the false back closed. Fig. 76 is a similar vertical section showing the false back raised. The following letters of reference are employed in all the figures:-- A. Front door of the small cupboard. B. Back door of ditto. C C. Front doors of large cupboard. D. Back door of ditto. E. Door of ditto. F. Door of the thigh. G G. The drawer. H. Machinery in front of the small cupboard. I. Screen behind the machinery. K. Opening caused by the removal of part of the floor of the small cupboard. L. A box which serves to conceal an opening in the floor of the large cupboard, made to facilitate the first position; and which also serves as a seat for the third position. M. A similar box to receive the toes of the player in the first position. N. The inner chest filling up part of the trunk. O. The space behind the drawer. P Q. The false back turning on a joint at Q. R. Part of the partition formed of cloth stretched tight, which is carried up by the false back to form the opening between the chambers. S. The opening between the chambers. T. The opening connecting the trunk and chest, which is partly concealed by the false back. U. Panel which is slipt aside to admit the player. * * * * *