Clever Hans was purchased by Wilhelm von Osten, a retired schoolmaster. Von Osten was convinced that animals possessed an intelligence equal to that of man was thrilled when he found that Hans seemed to have some skill in math. Clever Hans could add, subtract, multiply, and divide, all by giving the answer to the question by tapping his hoof to the correct number.
 
Though there seemed to be no trickery involved, scientific experts remained skeptical of Hans’ mathematical skill. One scientist, Pfungst from Germany, came up with the idea to leave Hans alone with an equation. Without anyone there Hans seemed stumped. Pfungst proposed that Hans was able to take ques either from his trainer or from other people in the room to find the right answer. He was able to discern subtle movements and detect the scientist and clever hanstension experienced by everyone in the room as he neared the correct answer. Scientists since have discovered that horses (and dogs) can detect the heartbeat of someone standing nearby. As Clever Hans drew close to correct answer an increase in everyone’s heartbeat indicated the place for him to stop tapping his hoof.
 
Though Hans may not have had true mathematical skills, he was still a very intelligent horse.

Share on Facebook