«The Mechanical head» was at the museum of Polotsk Collegium and represented a head of an old man with flexible eyes and long grey hair. The head could answer questions in different languages. This mechanism didn’t have supernatural features but it made visitors scared, impressed and curious at the same time.

«The Mechanical head», which was introduced to the audience during the University Day celebration, is an exact copy of G. Gruber’s creation. The author of the reconstruction project was Viktor Lukyanenko, the associate professor of the department of architecture of PSU.

A silicone model of «The Mechanical head» was made by a famous Belarusian sculptor Alexander Prokhorov.

The ceremony of the exhibition composition opening started with a dramatized performance. The students of the speciality «Tourism and Hospitality», playing the roles of Jesuits, told the guests about «The Mechanical head» and offered them to talk with this unusual creation.

First, «The Mechanical head» answered the question about the meaning of life, and then, the rector of PSU Dmitry Lasovsky asked about the future of our university. The answer of the «The head» was very optimistic: «Everything that is made with a great diligence, long-term work and endeavour of many people, will be saved and become famous beyond the bounds of Polotsk».

The first pro-rector Svetlana Vegera asked in English: “What is the most important invention in human history?” The answer was very logical: “The fact that we are talking now is the greatest miracle in the world. Without language there wouldn’t be progress”.

The pro-rector responsible for educational work, Denis Duk, as a doctor of historical science and a graduate of the faculty of history and philology asked «The Mechanical head»about the further inventions at Polotsk Collegium.

Natalia Lysova, the dean of the faculty of history and philology, asked in Latin, and Vladimir Lipsky was persuaded that «The Mechanical head» has even the sense of humor.

At the end of the examination of «The Mechanical head», Dmitry Lazovsky pointed out that “the main aim of our university is to find roots, revive the traditions of Polotsk Collegim. Our lecturers, students and university staff did a great job and could present the project of the modern reconstruction of «The Mechanical head». I would like to thank all the people who have made a contribution in the creation of this project”.

The opening of «The Mechanical head» ended up with a ceremony of awarding those people who took art in the reconstruction of head.

Happy University Day!

Vladimir Filipenko, the correspondent