Spalanzani's Fate

Traces the rise and fall of Professor Spalanzani after his creation of the automaton.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The mysterious professor

The Eccentric Scientist The Appearance Spalanzani was a round, little man with high cheekbones, a finely chiselled nose, and small piercing eyes. He resembled Cagliostro. The Reputation He was a famous professor of physics. He kept his daughter Olympia locked away, arousing curiosity. The Secret He was secretly building an automaton, a masterpiece of clockwork and optics.

The party and deception

The Grand Deception The Introduction Spalanzani presented Olympia as his daughter. She played and sang, amazing the guests. The Approval He smiled with satisfaction as Nathaniel courted Olympia. He encouraged the relationship. The Risk Spalanzani was gambling that the deception would hold. He underestimated the consequences.

Exposure and ruin

The Downfall The Fight Spalanzani fought Coppola for the automaton. He was wounded and lost the doll. The Scandal The truth came out. Spalanzani was accused of fraud. He was forced to leave the university. The Disgrace He disappeared from the town, his reputation destroyed. His life's work ended in humiliation.

Early in Nathaniel's studies

The night of the party

The revelation scene