Chess Turk

This functional replica of a device popularly known as the "Chess Turk" was originally built in 1769 by Austrian court official Wolfgang von Kempelen in such a way as to convince spectators that they were watching an "automated chess player". In fact an individual of quite normal size sat inside and controlled the gripper arm with the aid of levers and cable winches. Magnetised chess pieces and small magnetic pins on the underside of the board enabled the moves to be followed by the person within. Photo: Jan Braun, HNF