The Mechanical Turk: A Mysterious Automaton in a Game of Intelligence
The Mechanical Turk was a fraudulent mechanical chess player made up of a table and a human model, constructed in 1769. First showcased in 1770 for Empress Maria Theresa, this enigmatic automaton has been the subject of numerous debates and investigations over the years.
Construction and First Exhibition
The Mechanical Turk was built in Vienna by the mechanic Wolfgang von Kempelen, who worked under the service of Empress Maria Theresa. The automaton stood 120 cm tall, 105 cm wide, and 60 cm high. It consisted of a Turkish figure, wearing a mustache, turban, and cloak, seated in front of a wheeled cabinet with a chessboard drawn on it. The mechanical structure was highly complex, featuring numerous levers, pulleys, and mechanical systems inside the cabinet.
The Game Begins
When the Turk began playing chess with a volunteer, its eyes scanned the chessboard, and it moved the pieces while occasionally nodding its head. After completing a move, the Mechanical Turk signaled its completion by nodding its head three times. At the end of the game, it answered questions from the audience by combining letters on a special tray.
The Search for Secrets
The mystery of the Mechanical Turk attracted people for centuries, leading to the development of many theories. Some suggested that magnets inside the chess pieces were responsible for the movement, while others proposed that a child was hidden inside the automaton. However, the most accurate explanations came from figures like Edgar Allan Poe and Dr. Gamaliel Bradford. Poe introduced the automaton in his work Maelzel’s Chess and discussed its mechanical features.
From Kempelen to Maelzel
Kempelen passed away in 1804, and the automaton changed hands several times. Eventually, Johann Maelzel bought the Turk from Kempelen’s son. Maelzel later showcased the Mechanical Turk in Europe and America. In 1809, the Turk played chess against Napoleon, which further increased its fame.
The Turk’s Mystery and Operating Principle
The secret of the Mechanical Turk was that a chess master was hidden inside. The inside of the automaton contained a second chessboard that helped the operator follow the game. The moves made on this secondary board were reflected on the main board, enabling the automaton to play chess accurately.
The Maelzel Era
After introducing the automaton to Europe, Maelzel began a tour of America in 1820. However, due to financial troubles, he decided to travel to South America. After the death of chess master William Schlumberger in Cuba, Maelzel’s situation worsened. He went bankrupt in South America and was found dead on his return journey to the U.S., with the Mechanical Turk by his side.
Later Years
After Maelzel’s death, the Mechanical Turk found a new owner: Dr. John Mitchell. Mitchell briefly gained fame by revealing the Turk’s secret at a club. However, he was not as successful as Maelzel, and in 1854, he donated the Turk to a museum in Philadelphia. The automaton was lost in the Great Philadelphia Fire 85 years later.
Conclusion: A Legend
The Mechanical Turk was faced by 15 chess experts and masters, and numerous books and articles have been written about it. Yet, none have completely solved the automaton’s secret. This mystery has turned it into a legend, forever marked in history.
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