The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 5, April, 1836Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 5, April, 1836
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
16. While the Chess-Player was in possession of Baron Kempelen, it
was more than once observed, first, that an Italian in the suite of
the Baron was never visible during the playing of a game at chess by
the Turk, and, secondly, that the Italian being taken seriously ill,
the exhibition was suspended until his recovery. This Italian
professed a _total_ ignorance of the game of chess, although all
others of the suite played well. Similar observations have been made
since the Automaton has been purchased by Maelzel. There is a man,
_Schlumberger_, who attends him wherever he goes, but who has no
ostensible occupation other than that of assisting in the packing
and unpacking of the automata. This man is about the medium size,
and has a remarkable stoop in the shoulders. Whether he professes to
play chess or not, we are not informed. It is quite certain,
however, that he is never to be seen during the exhibition of the
Chess-Player, although frequently visible just before and just after
the exhibition. Moreover, some years ago Maelzel visited Richmond
with his automata, and exhibited them, we believe, in the house now
occupied by M. Bossieux as a Dancing Academy. _Schlumberger_ was
suddenly taken ill, and during his illness there was no exhibition
of the {326} Chess-Player. These facts are well known to many of our
citizens. The reason assigned for the suspension of the
Chess-Player's performances, was _not_ the illness of
_Schlumberger_. The inferences from all this we leave, without
farther comment, to the reader.
17. The Turk plays with his _left_ arm. A circumstance so remarkable
cannot be accidental. Brewster takes no notice of it whatever,
beyond a mere statement, we believe, that such is the fact. The
early writers of treatises on the Automaton, seem not to have
observed the matter at all, and have no reference to it. The author
of the pamphlet alluded to by Brewster, mentions it, but
acknowledges his inability to account for it. Yet it is obviously
from such prominent discrepancies or incongruities as this that
deductions are to be made (if made at all) which shall lead us to
the truth.
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