The Sixteenth Book of Natural Magick.doc

8/14/2019 The Sixteenth Book of Natural Magick.doc

1/29

The SixteenthBook of Natural

Magick John Baptista Porta

(Giambattista della Porta) (1537-1 15!

"If InvisibleWriting."

( "Wherein are handled secret and undiscoveredNotes." )

"The Proeme"

Chapter I - " o! a !riting dipped in diversei#uors ma$ be read."

Chapter II - " o! letters are made visible in thefire."

Chapter III - " o! etters rubbed !ith dust ma$ beseen."

Chapter I% - " o! $ou ma$ !rite in an &gg."
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#proeme%23proemehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVII%23bkXVIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVII%23bkXVIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIII%23bkXVIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIII%23bkXVIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIII%23bkXVIIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIII%23bkXVIIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIV%23bkXVIIVhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#proeme%23proemehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVII%23bkXVIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVII%23bkXVIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIII%23bkXVIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIII%23bkXVIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIII%23bkXVIIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIII%23bkXVIIIIhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/jportac16.html#bkXVIIV%23bkXVIIV


2/29


3/29

do!n plainl$ some e/amples. +ut these things and theconse#uences of them must be faithfull$ concealed' lestb$ gro!ing common among ordinar$ people' the$ bedisrespected. 0his is that I shall publish.

$hapter # " o! a !riting dipped in diverse

i#uors ma$ be read."

here are many, and almost infinite ways to write things ofnecessity, that the characters shall not be seen, unless you dipthem into waters, or put them near the fire, or rub them withdust, or smear them over. I shall begin with them that are read

by dipping them into waters. Therefore,

"If $ou desire that letters not seen ma$ be read'and such as are seen ma$ be hid."

Let %itriol soak in boiling water. When it is dissolved, strain it solong till the water grows clear. With that i#uor write uponpaper. When they are dry, they are not seen. Moreover, grindburnt ,tra! with %inegar , and what you will write in the spacesbetween the former lines, describe at large. Then boil sour Galls in white Wine , wet a sponge in the i#uor . And when you haveneed, wipe it upon the paper gently, and wet the letters so longuntil the native black color disappears. ut the former color, thatwas not seen, may be made apparent. !ow I will show in what

i#uors paper must be soaked to make letters to be seen. As I

said, dissolve %itriol in water. Then powder Galls finely, andsoak them in water, let them stay there twenty"four hours. #ilterthem through a inen cloth, or something else, that may makethe water clear, and make letters upon the paper that you desireto have concealed. $end it to your friend absent. When youwould have them appear, dip them in the first i#uor , and theletters will presently be seen.
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#strawhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#strawhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquor


4/29

"0hat dipping a inen rag in !ater' the letters ma$appear."

%issolve lom in water, and with it make letters upon white

inen , sheets, napkins, and the like. #or when they are dry, theywill presently vanish. When you will have the visible, soak themin water, and the inen will seem to be darkened. ut onlywhere the lom has written, it will not. #or the letters will growso clear, the you may read them. #or where lom , %itriol , andthe astringents are dissolved, those parts will admit water last.$o,

"White letters are made !ith !aters."

itharge is first powdered and cast into an earthen pot that has

water and %inegar mi&ed. oil it and strain it and keep it. Thenwrite letters with Citron emon 'uice. These are added to themwhen they begin to dry. If you dip them in the i#uor kept, theywill appear clearly and very white. If women(s breasts or handsbe wet in it, and you sprinkle the said water on them, they willgrow white as il . )se it. If at any time you want these, if youplease,

" stone dipped in %inegar !ill sho! the letters."

Make letters with goat fat upon a stone. When they are dry, theywill not be seen. If the stone be dipped into %inegar theypresently come forth, and seem above the stone. ut if youwould have letters written with water only, appear black, that thebetter you may be provided, and more speedily for a voyage,Galls and %itriol finely, and strew this powder on your paper.*ub it with a cloth, and polish it well, that so it may stick to the

paper and be like it. +owder 1uniper Gum , which ,criveners call %ernish , and add it to the rest. When you would use it,write with water or ,pittle , and they will be black letters. Thereare many such arts, too tedious to relate.
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lithargehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#milkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#juniperhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#scrivenershttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vernishhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#spittlehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lithargehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#milkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#juniperhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#scrivenershttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vernishhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#spittle


5/29

$hapter ## " o! letters are made

visible in the fire."

# shall show the ways how letters are not made visible by thefire, or not, unless light interpose, or may be read when they areburned. ut,

"0o ma e letters visible b$ fire."

$o we may bring forth letters written between the verses, and inthe close setting together, or larger distances of syllables. Letthe epistle contain some void space, that the letters may not beseen, and if this be intercepted, it will hardly be read. If youwrite with the 'uice of Citrons , ranges , nions , or almost anysharp things, and you make it hot at the fire, their acrimony ispresently discovered. #or they are undigested 'uices, whereasthey are detected by the heat of the fire, and then they show

forth those colors, that they would show if they were ripe. If youwrite with a sour Grape that would be black, or with Cervises ,when you hold them to the fire, they are concocted, and will givethe same color they would in due time give upon the tree, whenthey were ripe. uice of Cherr$ , added to Calamus , will make agreen, so also ,o!-bread , a red. $o diverse 'uices of fruit willshow diverse colors by the fire. y these means, maids sending,and receiving love letters, escape from those that have thecharge of them. There is also a kind of ,alt called mmoniac ,this, powdered and mingled with water, will write white letters,and can hardly be distinguished from the paper. ut hold them

to the fire, and they will show black. Also,

" etters that cannot be read unless the paper beburnt."

#or the mi&ture will be white, and nothing will be seen, but whenit is burnt, the paper will be black, and the characters will bewhite. Take the sharpest %inegar and the white of an &gg . In
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#citronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#orangehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#onionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#grapehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cervisehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cherryhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#calamushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sowbreadhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#citronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#orangehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#onionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#grapehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cervisehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cherryhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#calamushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sowbreadhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egg


6/29

these, steep 2uic silver , and stir it well, and with that mi&turemake letters on the paper. urn the paper in the fire, and theletters will remain unburnt. -r make the letters on the paperwith Gum , or any kind of ,alt or ime . These being they cannotbe seen at the fire, when the paper is burnt and made black,they will appear white. If you will, you may,

"Write letters that cannot be seen but b$interposition of fire."

%o it thus. Mingle Ceruse , or some other white color, with Gum0raganth , soaked, and of this mi&ture is made a matter of thesame color with the paper, that it cannot be discerned from it,nor cause suspicion. Then this is put between the eye and thelight of a candle, the eye cannot pass through where the letters

are written, and you shall see them darkly. This is the reason ofthe optics. #or that part of thick matter opposed against outwardlight, hinders it, that the rays cannot come to our sight. And sothe prints of the letters are seen as a shadow.

$hapter ### " o! etters rubbed !ith

dust ma$ be seen."

N ow I will use another artifice, that letters rubbed with dustmay be read, that were before invisible, which I read was used

by the ancients. Wherefore do thus,

"0hat etters rubbed !ith mill dust ma$ be read."

That as in paper, so on some unseen parts of the body, letterswritten may lie hid, and be opened when need is. Write secretlyon your back or arms, or other limbs, with %inegar or 3rine' and dry it that nothing may appear. !ow, to have it read, rub it
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#salthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/u.htm#urinehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#salthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/u.htm#urine


7/29

over with soot or burnt paper, for so the letters will shine forth.-r,

" ther!ise'"

If you make letters with fat, 0allo! or any other fatty substance,or with Gum , or milk of a 4ig tree , and strew them with dust ofcoal or burnt paper, they will appear. It may be by this craft, asPol$anus the reek says, ttalus used the imprintedinscription of a beast for sacrifice. /e, to raise the valor of his,oldiers , to make them fight valiantly with their enemies, the#rench, that were far more in number, supposing it would be nolittle advantage to put them in hopes before hand of theassurance of victory, invented a trivial business, but otherwiseprofitable, with the priest that was to offer sacrifice. efore the

day they were to fight, he prepared for the victory. #or ,udinus the ,oothsa$er , being to offer sacrifice, prayed unto the gods,and cuts the sacrifice in two. ut the king used powdered Gum ,and from the right to the left side, the drew these words, 0 RegisVictoria ,0 0...the 1ictory is the 2ing(s...,0 And when the entrailswere drawn forth, he thrust his hand into the hottest and mostspongy place, and wiped clean the inscription. ut the uger ,changing the other parts, and doing his office, turns the partwhere this inscription was contained, 0 Regis Victoria .0 Thematter was no sooner published, but the ,oldier generallyre'oiced, and shouted e&ceedingly, to show how ready they were

to fight, so going on with a certain assurance of the victory. Anddepending on this promise from the gods, they foughtcourageously, and subdued the #rench. ut to the matter. Milkof the 4ig tree will do the same, if it be written on white paper,and afterwards sent to a friend, be rubbed with coal dust strewnupon it, and made clean again, so will the letters presentlyappear black. Plin$ says, the milk of 0ith$mals will to the like,to make the letters, and dust strewn on them to scower them.And thus women as he says, had rather speak with adulterers,

then by letters. vid confirms this, admonishing maids in his rte mandi , how they may safely write to their sweethearts.

"Write !ith ne! il ' it5s safe' unseen' but read

0he !riting !ith coaldust laid on full-right.

oist fla/ !ill !rite as if that none had been'

nd letters on $our paper pass the sight."
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tallowhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#polyanushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#attalushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sudinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soothsayerhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#augarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#plinyhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tithymalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tallowhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#polyanushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#attalushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sudinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soothsayerhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#augarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#plinyhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tithymalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandi


8/29

Also there is an art that one would not imagine, to write uponCr$stal . #or, being all transparent, no man will dream of it, andthe letters lie hid within. %o it thus,

"0hat letters ma$ appear upon Cr$stal b$ stre!ingon of fine dust."

%issolve Gum rabic in water, or Gum 0raganth , that it maybe clear, and when it is well dissolved, it will not foul the Cr$stal ,if you write upon it, or upon a cup or glass, for when the lettersare dry, they are invisible. !o man will imagine the fraud, if acup be sent to prison, or a glass full of wine. When he would seethe letters, rub burnt straw or paper on it, and the letters willpresently be seen. /ere is another secret,

"0he letters on the paper ma$ be read' not b$ fire'nor !ater' or an$ other thing' but in the dust onl$."

This is a secret worth knowing. %issolve Goat ,uet with a little0urpentine . *ub the paper with this i#uor , and keep it. Whenyou would send some news to your friend, lay on the papersmeared with the fat upon a letter you would send to your friend,write upon that win a n Iron point, and the suit will make thecharacters on the letter. $end this away, and if it be intercepted,no water will make the words visible, or any other art, but onlystrewing dust upon it. Also you may make,

"0hat upon blac paper' !hite letters ma$ appear."

The reason is this. Mingle the white and yolk of an &gg together,that it may be li3uid as ink. With this i#uor , write on the paperwhat words you please, and dry them. When the paper is dry,make a black color over it, and dry it again, and send it. ut thatthe letters may be visible, scrape the superficies of the paperwith a broad Iron . #or so it will be, that the ink being scrapedoff, where the letters were, they will appear white.
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumarabickhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goathttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turpentinehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumarabickhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#crystalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goathttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turpentinehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#iron


9/29

$hapter #% " o! $ou ma$ !rite in an &gg."

B ecause when prisons are shut, &gg s are not stopped by thePapal In#uisition , and no fraud is suspected to be in them, Iwill show you how letters may be writ on the upper shell andwhite of an &gg also. #or e&ample,

"0hat letters ma$ be !rit on the &ggshell ."

Wrap the &gg in Wa/ , and with an Iron point make letters on it,as far as to the shell, but break it not. #or if you break the shellwith your Iron , or point, or knife, it may be detected. $oak your&gg one night in strong water of depart, which separates Gold from ,ilver . In the morning take away the Wa/ , and take offthe &ggshell5s cover, and hold the shell between your eye andthe light, and the letters will be seen very clear 3uite through thetransparent shell. The same is done with the 'uice of emon .#or it softens the shell, but fouls it not, and you shall have your

desire. Will you,

"0hat letters ma$ be seen upon the !hite."

4ellow, and better when the &gg is boiled. oil an &gg hard androll it in Wa/ , and engrave the letters on the Wa/ with an Iron point, that the marks may lie open. +ut this &gg into i#uor with lom and Galls powdered. Then put it into sharp %inegar ,and they will penetrate, and taking off the shells, you shall seethem in the white of the &gg . fricanus teaches it thus. rindGalls and lom with %inegar , till they be as thick as ink. Withthis write what you will on an &gg , and when the writing is driedin the ,un , put it into sharp Pic le . %ry it, boil it, and take offthe shell, and you shall read the writing. I put it into %inegar ,and could do nothing of it. +erhaps, he means by Pic le ,Capital ees . The cause is this. The &ggshell5 is porous, andhas large holes, which is plain. #or being set to the fire, it willsweat, and water will come forth. And looking at it against thelight, it will show clear. $o then, %inegar being subtle,
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#inquisitionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#africanushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sunhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#picklehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#picklehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#capitalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#leeshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#inquisitionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#africanushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sunhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#picklehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#picklehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#capitalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#leeshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegar


10/29

penetrates by the pores, and makes the shell tender. And whenit is mingled with the lom and Galls , it carries their substancewith it, and makes them appear on the white. And when it is putinto cold water, it is condensed, and comes to be hard as it was.

ut observe, it must not stay long in %inegar . #or that will eatoff all the shell, and will leave the &gg bare, having nothing but athin skin to cover it. And if you put that into cold water, the shellwill not come again. If you will know,

" o! letters !rit !ith !ater' ma$ be seen in an&gg ."

%issolve %itriol in the water, and write upon the shell, and dry it,and nothing will be seen. If you will read it, dissolve Galls inWine , and steep the &gg therein. -r, write with ime water

upon an &gg , and steep it in Lye where +rasil is Infused , andso the letters will seem to be of a violet color. -r, write with,uet upon the shell, and steep it in water of %itriol . When it isdry, scrape off the ,uet , and nothing will bee seen. When youafterwards steep it in the foresaid Wine , white letters will appearin a black shell. I shall show,

" o! letters ma$ become visible upon an &gg b$the fire."

Write on the &gg with the 'uice of emon , or nion , or 4ig milk.When you put this to the fire, the letters will appear yellow. And

that must be done on a raw &gg . #or if you boil it, the letters willbe seen.

"0hat letters ma$ be seen on the &ggshell b$ dust."

Make letters on the shell with %inegar , suet, fig tree milk, or of0ith$mal , or with Gum s. When you would have them seen, rubthem with Coal dust, or burnt ,tra! , or paper, and they willseem black. There is a way,

" o! to put a letter into an &gg ."

Make your letter that you send, narrow and long, scarce broaderthen your middle finger. Write your mind in short characters,and with the edge of a knife, make a cut in the &gg , and breakthe inward skin, and put in your letter at one end by degrees.#or it will easily take it in, were it ten hands breath. Then stop
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasilhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#infusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#onionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tthymalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#coalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#strawhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasilhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#infusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#suethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lemonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#onionhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#fighttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#eggshellhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tthymalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#coalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#strawhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egg


11/29

the cut, with ime and Gum mingled, that it may not be seen,and with Ceruse and Gum 0raganth , for then it is impossible todiscern it. ut if you will have this done more neatly, put the&gg in sharp %inegar three or four hours. And when you find itsoft, open the shell with the edge of your knife, put in your roll ofpaper. Then soak it in cold water, and the shell will grow as hardas it was.

$hapter % " o! $ou ma$ !rite in diverse places'

and deceive on that can read."

# have shown you diverse waysof writing invisible. !ow Icome to those ways that will teach you to write letters on diversethings, which though they be visible, and intercepted, yet the

readers will be deceived by their secret device. #irst,

" o! to !rite on a small thread."

Let us see how they did this in elder times. Gellus noct.Attic.relates, that when the Lacedaemonians wrote to their generals,that their letters being intercepted by the enemies might not beread, invented this kind of writing. yet it is referred to

rchimedes to be the inventor of it. Two sticks must be madelong and round, and polished with the 0urners Instrument . They must be e3ual for length, breadth and thickness. -ne of

these was given to the general when he went forth to war, andthe other was kept home by the senate. As often therefore asthe need was, a page was rolled about the stick, as large ascould contain the matter, that it might make a round volume,and the sides of it were so well 'oined, that they were like a collarthat e&actly fitted the wood, and no chinks between. )pon thiscollar, that thus was rolled about the stick, they wrote letteroverthwart, from top to bottom. The collar thus written on, being
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gellushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#archimedeshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turnerhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#limehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/e.htm#egghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gellushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#archimedeshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turner


12/29

long and narrow, was taken off from the stick, and sent to thegeneral. #or they thought, if it was intercepted by the enemy,when they saw bits of letters, and syllables, and of words, so fardivided, they would never discern the thing. And they were notdeceived in this con'ecture.

" o! to !rite on parchment' that the letters ma$not be seen."

When you have written on parchment, put it to the light of acandle, or to the fire, and it will all crumble and run together, andbe nothing like it was. If a man look on it, he will hardly suspectany fraud. If he desires to read what is in it, let him lay it onmoist places, or sprinkle it gently with water, and it will bedilated again, and all the wrinkles will be gone. And it will

appear as it did at first, that you may read the letters upon it,without any hindrance. !ow I will show the way,

" o! in the sections of boo s the characters shallbe hid."

When the book is well bound , and cut and colored black. If weopen it, and turn back the leaves, that they may be turned in, wemay write at the corners of the leaves what we will. ut whenthe book is set back again, and the leaves put into their ownplaces, nothing is seen or can be imagined to be writ in them.

ut he that would read those letters, must set the book that wayas it was, and the letters will be read. $o may we write on 4l$-traps , that are made with wrinkles, and then draw them forth.If need be, we may do,

"0he same !ith cards to pla$ !ith."

4ou may e&cellent well write on cards, if you put them in someorder, that one may follow the other. And some to be heldupright, others turned downwards. When you have set themright together,you may write all things where they divide. Minglethe cards together again, and turn them. And nothing will beseen but some disorderly marks, if any man look curiously uponthem. ut he that would read them, must set them in order, andthey will 'oin and read e&actly. Also, we may write in whitePigeons , and other white birds, feathers of their wings, turningthem upwards. #or when they return to their own places, theywill show nothing. ut if they be brought to their former posture,
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flytraphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flytraphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#pigeonhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flytraphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flytraphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#pigeon


13/29

you will read the letters. And this is no small benefit for thosethat shall use them for messengers. There is a way,

"0o hide letters upon !ood."

Anyone may make letters upon wood, and not be suspected. #orthey shall not be seen, but when we please. Let the wood befleshy and soft, of Poplar , or 0ile tree , or suchlike. And withthose Iron markers printers use, when they make stamps upon+rass , commonly called Pon6ones , make letters in the wood,half a finger thick. Then hew the wood with a carpenter(shatchet, as deep as the letters go. When all is made plain, ande3ual, send the stick to your friend, or board, to him that knowsthe matter. /e putting the wood into the water, the wood willswell out, that was beaten in with the marks, and the letters will

come forth. That we may do in wooden vessels, polished by the0urner , if when they are turned, we mark the letters on them.And then turn them again. When this is done, send it to your

friend, and let him soak it in water, etc.

$hapter %#

"In !hat places etters ma$ beenclosed."

# shall speak in what places letters may be enclosed, and notbe suspected. And I shall speak last of carriers. I shall bringsuch e&amples as I have read in ancient histories, and what good

a man may learn by them. #irst,

" o! to hide letters in !ood."

0heophrastus 5s opinion was, that if we cut the green bark of atree, and make it hollow within, as much as will contain theletters, and then bind it about. In a short time it will growtogether again, with the letters hut up within it. Thus he says,
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#poplarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tiletreehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#ponzoneshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turnerhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#theophrastushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#poplarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tiletreehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#ponzoneshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turnerhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#theophrastus


14/29

that by including some religious precepts in wood, people maybe allured. #or they will admire at it. ut I mention this out of0heophrastus , rather for a similitude, then for to do the thing Iwould have, for that would re3uire a long time. ut his may bedone well in dry wood, as in #ir. Thus, the chinks fasteningtogether with common white glue. Also the ancients used,

"0o conceal letters in 1un ets ."

I will relate the cunning of the wife of Pol$cretes . #or she, whilein the Milesian camps they solemi5ed a solemn feast of theircountry. When they were all fast asleep, and drunk, took thisopportunity to tell her brothers of it, and did thus. $he desired7iogentus , general of the 6rythrei, that she might send some

1un ets to her brothers. and when she had leave, she put a

leaden scroll into a cake, and she had the bearer tell her brothersfrom her, that no man should eat of it but themselves. Whenthey heard this, they opened the cake, and found the letter, andperformed the contents of it. They came upon the enemy bynight, at was dead drunk a the feast and con3uered him. Alsothe ancients were wont,

"0o shut up letters in living creatures."

erodotus says, that arpagus sent letters to C$rus , put intothe belly of a art whose entrails were taken out, by one that

counterfeited a shepherd hunting. $o,

" etters to be hid in garments."

The secret places of clothes are best, to avoid suspicion. As inyour bosom, or under the soles of your feet. vid in his rte

mandi , writes to this purpose,

etters ma$ be concealed in $our breast'

Wrapt in a clo!t' !hich !a$ is held the best8

r else $ou ma$ under $our feet provide

place full closel$ etters for to hide.

"0o hide letters in $our belt."
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#theophrastushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#junkethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#polycreteshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#diogentushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#junkethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harpagushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cyrushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#theophrastushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#junkethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#polycreteshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#diogentushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#junkethttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harpagushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cyrushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#arteamandi


15/29

Those of 7ampania were wont, when they would discoveranything to the 7arthaginians, and the *omans besieged themround. They sent a man that seemed to run from them, with aletter concealed in his Girdle . And he taking occasion to escapebrought it to the 7arthaginians. -thers carried letters in their,cabbards , and sent them away by messengers, and were notfound out. ut we use not adays,

"0o hide letters in the bo!els of living creatures."

#or we wrapt them in some meat, and give them to a 7og , orsome other creature to swallow. That when he is killed, theletters may be found in his belly. And there is nothing neglectedto make this way certain. The like was done by arpagus . /e,as erodotus says, being to discover to C$rus some secrets,

when the ways were stopped, that he could do it by no othermeans, he delivered the letters to a faithful servant, who wentlike a hunter, that had caught a are . And in her belly were theletters put. When the guts were taken forth, and so they werebrought to Persis . We use also,

"0o shut up letters in stones."

4lints are beaten very fine in bra5en ortars , and sifted. Thenare they melted in a +rass Cauldron , by putting two ounces ofColophonia to one pound of the powder of the stone, and

mingling them. +ut your letters into leaden plates, and hidethem in the middle of the composition, and put the lump into ainen bag, and tie it fast, that it may be round. Then sink it into

cold water, and it will grow hard and appear like a 4lint .

$hapter %## "What secret essengers ma$ be

used."
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#girdlehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#scabbardhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harpagushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cyrushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#persishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flinthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mortarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cauldronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#colophoniahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flinthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#girdlehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#scabbardhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harpagushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cyrushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#harehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#persishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flinthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mortarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cauldronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#colophoniahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#flint


16/29

T he ncients used the same craft for messengers. #or theyused men that should be disguised by their habits, and someliving creatures besides. #or,

"0o counterfeit the shape of a 7og '"

It was the crafty counsel of 1osippus , that the messengersshould be clad with skins, and so they past the enemie(s guards,and were not regarded. #or if they were seen, they were in thelikeness of 7ogs . And this was done until the enemy found outthe trick, and compassed the 9ampart round about. And man(scuriosity was not satisfied here, till they found means for ways topass, where the sentinels and scouts might not discover them.

Wherefore they left the land, and sent by water. ut that thewriting might not be spoiled in the water, as 4rontinus says, the,oldiers that pass over the river $altella, had leaden plates writupon, fastened to their arms. ut ucullus , as the same4rontinus reports, that he might declare to the 7y5iceni, thatwere besieged by ithridates , that he was coming to relievethem, all narrow passages being stopped by the enemy guards,that were 'oined to the continent by a small bridge, he fought away by sea. #or a private ,oldier reappointed for it, sitting ontwo bladders blown, wherein the letters were put in two covers,and so like some sea monster, he swam seven miles at sea, and

told of the coming of the general. $o they often used,

" rro!s for messengers."

ut that seemed not sufficient, for they feared men(s cunning,lest some chance or fraud might intercept the messenger, andthe secret should be discovered, or they should be racked tomake them confess. $ometimes therefore they sought a way inthe air, and used arrows for messengers, that none mightintercept them. erodotus says, that rtaba6us and0imo/enus did this, when one would declare anything to the

other. #or the paper was folded about the foot of the arrow, andthe feathers were put upon it, and it was so shot into the placeappointed. To this pertains the e&ample of Cleon$mus 2ing ofthe Lacedaemonians. /e besieging the city Troe5ene,commanded many of his best archers to shoot arrows intoseveral places. And he wrote upon them. I come to relieve yourcity. And by this means he set ladders, and his army scaled thewalls and went in, and plundered the place, and destroyed it.
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#josippushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/r.htm#ramparthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#frontinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lucullushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#frontinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mithridates%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#artabazushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#timoxenushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cleonymushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/j.htm#josippushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#doghttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/r.htm#ramparthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#frontinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lucullushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/f.htm#frontinushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mithridates%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soldierhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#artabazushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#timoxenushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cleonymus


17/29


18/29


19/29

$hapter %### " o! messengers ma$ be sent' !ho

shall neither no! that the$ carr$letters' nor can the$ be found about

them."

& ur ancestors had another art that could not be discovered,invented by strange craft. erodotus mentions it from

estiaus , who was the author of it. /e being born in Asia, whenof noble place, when 7arius ruled, when he was with the 2ing in+ersia, and would privately write to ristagoras to fall from him,fearing lest if he should not do it cunningly, he should bediscovered, and be in great danger, he invented this way. /eshaved off his servants hair of his head, as though he meant tocure him, who for a long time had been troubled with sore eyes.And on his head, with good ink, he wrote letters, that contained

what he meant to have done. /e kept this fellow at home withhim, until his hair was grown again. When that was done, he

sent him away to ristagoras' bidding him say, when he cameto him, that he should do unto him, in shaving off his hair, as hedid before. When the servant came to ristagoras , to Milesum,he said what his master had him sy to ristagoras . /esupposing the business not to be idle, did what he was ordered,and so read the message. The ncients found out theseinventions, to send messengers with. 4et that can be no safeway, to shave off the hair, and to write letters upon the head, forthe head will easily sweat, and put them out. and if the skin bepricked with a needle, this will not avoid suspicion, if he thatwears the writing, be laid hold on by the way. #or then is there

most diligent search. #or fear and necessity will make menwatchful, and they are never satisfied, till they have searchedevery place. $ometimes they try men by fair promises,sometimes they frighten them with threats. And if these will notdo, they torment and torture them., to make them confess. Andif this will not do, that letters may not be secretly conveyed, notonly their hose and shoes use to be searched, their clothesplucked off, and the seams ripped, but they will search their very
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotus%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#dariushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#herodotus%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/d.htm#dariushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aristagorashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancients


20/29

guts. $o far is it from keeping any secret upon the head, thatshall not be looked for. ut I can send letters, and write so, thatit can be understood by none, but those that the letters aredesigned for. And he that carries them never so far off, if heshould be taken by the way, and e&amined by torments, he canconfess nothing, because he knows nothing of it, and the lettershall always remain secret. !or will length of time, or sweat intravel, blot out the letters. !or is it any matter if the messengerpass through rivers, seas, or rain. #or wet will not hurt them.What good princes may get by this, i leave to your cogitations.#or they have most need of this, when they would declare

anything to their friends that are besieged. And often upon onemessage, may the victory of a city or army depend. Theinvention of the ncients , was partly good, and partly bad. They wrote letters on the head, which he could not read. !orwould water or sweat, wash them off, because they were printedinto the head. And when the hair grew out, they could not beseen. And that the messenger might be ignorant what waswritten upon his head, they took occasion for it, saying, he had apain in his eyes, that they would cure. And thus he knew not thecraft they used. ut this fraud seems not very secure. #or onethat should suspect it might shave off the hair and find out thesecret. Moreover, if the messenger were to be sent suddenly,how could he stay a month, till his hair were grown again9 Andwhen his skin was pricked for to make the letters, he mustsuspect something. ut let us see,

" o! estiaus could ma e the letters on his headindelible."

/e wounded the skin with the point of a needle, or opened it witha ra5or, and cast in the powder of Colophonia burnt. #or so weuse to make the names of masters upon the faces of bondslaves, that they shall never come forth, and in time they willlook green. Also,

" etters ma$ be made bet!een the s in' that areindelible' upon an$ part."

4ou may soon do it thus. Let . Cantharides steep a whole day instrong water, but sooner is it done in water separation. Thenmake the letters with a pen"knife, or fit instrument, upon theupper skin of the arm, or any other part. The flesh hurt with themoisture, will rise in blisters, and be ulcerated. $o by the force
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#colophoniahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cantharides%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#colophoniahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cantharides%20


21/29

of this corroding water, will there always remain the prints ofwhite letters, and they will never be blotted out. And this is bestdone by estiaus secret, because letters could not be readunder the hair, whereas white letters, like il , would be seen.

ut would we have them stay only for some time, and notalways, we may do it many ways. If you make letters with

#uafortis , that has eaten ,ilver or +rass , they will appearmany days. $o it may be done with il of one$ . !ow I willshow,

" o! a man ma$ carr$ letters that are indelibleand invisible' and un no!n to him8 and ho! to

ma e them visible !hen need is:"

4ou may do it thus8 y writing letters on the messengers back,

that he may not know of, having first given him an piate tomake him sleep soundly, then write, and let them dry in. Whenhe awakes, send him away, the letters dried on will not be seen. The ncients know this. vid says it8

"Write on his bac ' for paper' so $ou shall

+etter conceal $our purpose from them all"

ut let us see whether we can write on the flesh with anyi#uor , that passing through rivers and rain, the letters may not

be blotted out with any moisture, and then by strewing on ofdust, may be made visible again. Write on a mans back, whichshall be visible only, by being wet with some umor , and noman can find out, unless he knows the secret. If you write withwater, wherein %itriol is dissolved, with a decoction of Galls , itwill be seen. If it be made very sharp, it will pierce the skin, andthe letters will be delible. We may do the same with the oil of it.,alt mmoniac with 2uic lime , or ,oap , will make a blue

color. If they are rubbed with oil of itharge , they will appearwhite, with #ua vita , or its e3ual, distilled %inegar , and waterand ,alt .

$hapter #'
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#milkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilofhoneyhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#opiatehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#humorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicklimehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soaphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lithargehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquavitahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#salthttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#hestiaushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#milkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilofhoneyhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#opiatehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ancientshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#ovidhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/h.htm#humorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicklimehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#soaphttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lithargehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquavitahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#salt


22/29

" o! characters ma$ be made' that atset da$s shall vanish from the paper."

# shall attempt to show how letters may be written on paper, orin other matter, that shall disappear at set times. And otherletters shall be made invisible, that at a time certain shalldisappear, not only useful secret marks, but for other purposesnecessary for our lives. Letters that decay and vanish, may bemade two ways. 6ither with #ua fortis , that eats the paper, orsome decaying i#uors , that will vanish with any light touch,and leave the place where they were, without any spot. I shallteach,

" o! letters are made' that eat the paper."

If you mingle il of %itriol with common ink or any other blackcolor, in few days by corroding the paper, or the ink itself, theletters will vanish, or in a month, as you put in more or less ofthe oil. And this you may try before you send away your letter.If you would have it work more slowly, add but a little oil. If

faster, put in more. 4ou may, when it is too strong, put somewater to it. The same is performed, if you mi& a strong $e , theycall it Capital , with your ink. #or first they will be yellow, and

then they will vanish. The same is done by il of 0artar , or,alt l ali , or ,oda , and strong water of separation of Gold .#or these corrode the letters, and the paper, that nothing of the

letters will appear. If you desire to know,

" o! letters ma$ be made' that !ill soon vanish."

Make them with the strongest #ua vita , or use Camphire andburned straws. #or the letters in time, will decay and vanish. The 0incture will fall off, when the glutinous matter is gone.Make a powder of a very fine 0ouch-stone . #or the sandy

stone will sooner decay, that no letter shall be seen. Also it isdone,

" nother !a$'"

Infuse the small filings of ,teel in water of separation. Take atriple 3uantity of this, and add thereto li3uid Pitch , or soot of0urpentine , to make it blacker. And cover the vessel. rind
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilofvitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#capitalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oiloftartarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltalkalihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sodahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquavitahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#camphirehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tincturehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#touchstonehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#infusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#steelhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#pitchhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turpentinehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#liquorhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilofvitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#capitalhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oiloftartarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltalkalihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sodahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquavitahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#camphirehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#tincturehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#touchstonehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#infusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#steelhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#pitchhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#turpentine


23/29

this on a Porph$r$-stone , write, and they will vanish and fallaway. This secret I thought not fit to overpass, because it is theprincipal thing to be considered, to make trial often. #or it it staylong on the paper, add more strong water to it. And if you becareful, no mark of the writing will remain. 4ou shall do it like tothis, another way. If it be good so to counterfeit. TakeChr$socolla , ,alt mmoniac , and lom , all alike. +owderthem all, and put them into a Crucible , and make a strong $e of 2uic lime . And laying a inen cloth over the mouth of thevessel, that must receive it, strain it. oil it a little, and minglethis with your ink. They will remain awhile, but a short time theletters will vanish away. $et it up for your use. ut contrarily, ifyou will,

"0hat invisible letters after sometime' shall

become visible."

And show themselves. I will give you some e&amples, that youmay invent more thereby yourself. If you write with 'uice ofCitrons or ranges , on Copper or +rass , and leave this so fortwenty days, the letters will appear green upon the places. Thesame may be done many other ways, namely by dissolving ,alt

mmoniac in water, and writing with it upon +rass , the placewill sooner appear of %erdigrease color.

$hapter ' " o! !e ma$ ta e off letters that are

!ritten upon the paper."

#f we would take letters from off the paper, or that such as areblotted out might appear again, we must use this art. As, if wewould,

"0a e letters off the paper'"
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#porphyrystonehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#chrysocollahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cruciblehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicklimehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#citronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#orangehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#copperhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#verdigrease%20http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/p.htm#porphyrystonehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#chrysocollahttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cruciblehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lyehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicklimehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#linenhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#citronhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#orangehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#copperhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltammoniachttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#verdigrease%20


24/29

-r from parchment. Take #ua fortis , that is it that parts Gold from ,ilver . With a pencil wipe some of this upon the letters, itwill presently wipe off letters, written with Gall and Copras . -rrub it with ,alt l ali and ,ulphur , making little balls of them,and that will eat them out, that nothing shall be seen. ut if youdesire to write anything in the place you have made clean. #irst,wet the place with water, wherein lom is dissolved, for the inkwill not run about. If you desire,

"0o rene! letters deca$ed'"

-r to read as are vanished. oil Galls in Wine , and with a,ponge wipe over the letters. The letters will presently be seen,when they are once wet thus, and be well colored as they wereat first.

$hapter '# " o! to counterfeit a ,eal and

!riting."

#t may be of great use when places are besieged, and in

armies, and affairs of great men, to know how to open letters,that are sealed with the eneral(s ,eal , and signed with hisname. To know what is contained within, and to seal themagain. Writing others that are contrary to them, and the like. Iwill show how,

"0o counterfeit the ,eal ."

Melt ,ulphur , and cast it into powder of Ceruse , while it ismelted. +ut this mi&ture upon the ,eal , but fence it about with

paper or Wa/ , or Chal , and press it down. When it is cold, takeit off, and in that shall you have the print of the ,eal . I will do itanother way. #ill an earthen pot with %inegar . 7ast %itriol intoit, and a good deal of %erdigrease . Let it bubble on the fire, putplates of Iron to it. After a short time take them out, and fromthe outside with you knife, scrape off a knife of rust it hascontracted, that is dirty as it were. And put this into a dish underit. Again, put them into the earthen pot, and scrape more off
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#coprashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltalkalihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sulphurhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#spongehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sulphurhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#chalkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#verdigreasehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#ironhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#aquafortishttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#goldhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#silverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#coprashttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#saltalkalihttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sulphurhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#alomhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gallhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#winehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#spongehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sulphurhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cerusehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#chalkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vinegarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#vitriolhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/v.htm#verdigreasehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#iron


25/29

when you take them out. %o this so often, till you have some3uantity of this dirty substance. 7ast 2uic silver into this, andmake a mi&ture. And while it is soft and tender, lay it on the,eal and press it down. And let it remain in the open air, for itwill grow so hard, that you may almost seal with it. #or it willbecome even like to a metal. It may be also done another way. Take the filings of ,teel , and put them in an earthen Crucible at a strong fire. +ut such things to it, as will hasten the meltingof it. When it is melted, cast it into some hollow place, pound itwith a +rass ortar , or it will be easily done. %o it so three orfour times. Then powder it, and mingle 2uic silver with it, andlet it boil in a gla5ed vessel si& hours, till it is well mingled. Thenpress the ,eal upon it, and let it cool, and it will becomee&ceeding hard. It is possible,

"0o ma e a great ,eal less'"

If it should happen that we want a letter ,eal , we must do thus. Take Isinglass , and dissolve it in water. Anoint the figure with

il , that it may not stick to the glue. 7ompass the ,eal aboutwith Wa/ , that the matter run not about. +ut the Isinglass tothe fire, and melt it, pour it upon the ,eal . After three hours,when it is cold, take it away, and let it dry. #or the ,eal when itis dry, will be drawn less e3ually. If you will,

"Imitate the form of a !riting'"

%o thus. -pen the letter upon a oo ing-glass , that wants thefoil. )pon the letter lay white paper, and a light under the glass. Temper your ink as the writing is, and draw your lines upon thelines of the letters you see through. We may,

" pen letters' and shut them !ithout suspicion."

We use to seal letters, putting paper upon them, which goesthrough the letter on one side, and Wa/ is put on the other side,where it comes forth, and there it is sealed. 4ou shall open theletter thus8 reak away that part of the paper, that is put uponthe place, where is passes through the letter, and the hole is, theletter opens presently. *ead it, and shut it again, and put thepaper torn off, in its proper place. #irst, anointing the crack withGum 0raganth , dissolved in water. #or the paper will be soglued, that it will be stronger there then elsewhere. +ress it witha small weight, till it grows dry. The fraud cannot be discovered,
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#steelhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cruciblehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mortarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#isinglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#isinglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lookingglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganthhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#steelhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/c.htm#cruciblehttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/b.htm#brasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/m.htm#mortarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/q.htm#quicksilverhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#isinglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/o.htm#oilhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/i.htm#isinglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/s.htm#sealhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#lookingglasshttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/w.htm#waxhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/g.htm#gumtraganth


26/29


27/29

another corner. ut those that stand in the middle, perceivenothing of it. ut more e&actly and clearly,

"0o signif$ to friends all things b$ a 0run '"

Let the pipe be of earth :but ead is better; or of any matter wellclosed, that the voice may not get forth in the long passage. #orwhatever you speak at one end, the voice without anydifference, as it came forth of the speakers mouth, comes so tothe ears of him that harkens. And I doubt not but this may bedome some miles off. The voice not divided or scattered, goeswhole a long way. I have tried it for above two hundred paces,when I had no other convenience, and the words were heard soclear, and open, as the speaker uttered them. )pon this it cameinto my mind, to intercept words spoken by the way, with leaden

pipes, and to hold them so long as I pleased close in. That whenI opened the hole, the words should break forth. I perceive thatthe sound goes by degrees, and that being carried through apipe, it may be shut up in the middle. And if a very long 0run should take away the convenience of it, that many winding pipesmight shut it up in a close place. I read that lbertus made anartificial head, that spoke at set times. I might hope to do thesame by this invention. 4et I never tried this farther then I havesaid. 4et i have heard by my friends, that lovers have spoke along time through a leaden pipe, from their houses that stood farasunder.

$hapter '### "+$ night !e ma$ ma e signs b$ fire'

and !ith dust b$ da$."

#t remains to show whether we can make signs in the night byfire, and in the day by dust, to declare our business. This mayfall out two ways. #or by fire of a sudden, we show to our
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#trunkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#leadhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#trunkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#albertushttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#trunkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/l.htm#leadhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/t.htm#trunkhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#albertus


28/29


29/29

four. Thus a woman from a watch tower, with three lightsshowed five times, then with double ones twice, then with treblelights twice. Then again with one at once, and with the samefour times, then five times with three lights, then thrice. Andwith as many four times, shall signify, vir adeft , 0the man hiscome.0 Also the lights may be of diverse colors, if they wouldshow that friends are near. Also by smoke, we may show thatour enemies are near, or some other thing. /ence it was, that bythe policy of milcar , the men of Agrigentum, being drawn offfar from the city, among their enemies that they pursued, untoan mbuscado , where the enemy lay hid, and a by wood set onfire, suffered a great overthrow. #or when they were called backby their friends, by reason of a smoke they supposed to comefrom the walls. When they turned their course to go to the city,

milcar commanding, the 7arthaginians followed them, whofled before, and so slew them.

The n)
http://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#amilclarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ambuscadohttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#amilclarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#amilclarhttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#ambuscadohttp://members.tscnet.com/pages/omard1/a.htm#amilclar

The Sixteenth Book of Natural Magick.doc

Documents

Transcript of The Sixteenth Book of Natural Magick.doc