Johann Nepomuk Maelzel
(1772-1838)

inventor

Died aged c. 66

Johann Nepomuk Maelzel (or Mälzel; August 15, 1772 – July 21, 1838) was a German inventor, engineer, and showman, best known for manufacturing a metronome and several music-playing automatons, and displaying a fraudulent chess machine. He worked with Beethoven to compose a piece of music for one of his inventions.

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Commemorated on 1 plaque

John Nepomuk Maelzel (1772-1838). German-born inventor and showman; exhibited nearby at Maelzel's Hall, 1826-1831, assisted by Wm. Schlumberger. His Automaton Chess Player (The Turk) was famous for games with Franklin & Napoleon. He patented a metronome; made hearing aids for Beethoven.

NW corner, S 5th St. & St. James Ct., Philadelphia, PA, United States where they was