Mind evaporator/Legends

Saun Dann sets up Attichitcuk's mind evaporator.

A mind evaporator, also known as a proton chair, was a device used to stimulate the mind. It could be used for either serious or entertainment purposes.

Characteristics

"Mind evaporator" was a Galactic Basic translation of a Wookiee term for any addictive video game that lacked any form of educational purpose.

The mind evaporator consisted of a large chair that the participant would sit in and a helmet attached to the chair that would cover the subject's eyes. A cassette could be inserted in order to begin the program, and the user would enter virtual reality. The mind evaporator was powered by a proton pack.

History

Attichitcuk used the device to aid in training for flight of the Oevvaor jet catamaran during the Clone Wars. Utilizing its virtual-reality capabilities, he was able to hone his skills in order to participate in battle even at his advanced age. This training proved useful at the Battle of Kashyyyk.

Attichitcuk also used the device as entertainment. He viewed holograms of Human females singing and dancing on the machine. One such individual in this virtual reality he viewed was Mermeia in 1 ABY.

Behind the scenes

Joe Johnston made a conceptual sketch of the mind evaporator, then named the "environmental transporter"—a virtual reality device that George Lucas wanted to illustrate Wookiees' positive outlook on life.

According to some of Brian Bartholomew's blueprints for various props in The Star Wars Holiday Special released on its 30th anniversary, the mind evaporator was made up of a purchased chair, with the "proton helmet" being made of a hairdryer connected to a plastic accordion hose (such as one belonging to a vacuum cleaner), as well as a heavy cable with sockets. The earpieces were made of clear plastic glasses or another unknown component, the latter having wheat-lamps or pilot lamps twinkling randomly (though the rest of the earpiece is opaque), three extra control knobs below the earpieces, and a socket plate on the back hood; as well as having planted-on rivets as well as enameled clear visors. The evaporator controls on the arm portions of the chair were made of a Pearlcorder that would be used to play the cassette tapes. In addition, on the back of the chair were various plastic model kits and dummy doors, as well as a vent and planted-on clear plastic multimeter measurements by Olson Electronics.

Appearances

• The Star Wars Holiday Special (First appearance)
• File:SWG logo sm.png Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided

Sources

• "The Star Wars Holiday Special" – Star Wars Insider 23
• Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Incredible Cross-Sections
• Star Wars: Complete Cross-Sections
• File:Gal-icon.jpg What is Wookiee Life Day? on the official Star Wars Galaxies website (content now obsolete; backup link)
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia