Natural magick by John Baptista Porta, a Neapolitane ; in twenty books ... wherein are set forth all the riches and delights of the natural sciences.

THE SIXTEENTH BOOK OF Natural Magick: Wherein are handled secret and undiscovered Notes. (Book 16)

THE PROEME.

I Make two sorts of secret marks, which they vulgarly call Syfers, one of visible marks, and is worthy of a treatise by it self: another of secret marks, whereof 〈…〉〈…〉 tempted to say something in this present Volume, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what are the consequ•••••• thereof, for the use of great Men, and Princes, that 〈…〉〈…〉 than 〈…〉〈…〉 man that knows the invention. I shall set down plainly some examples: 〈…〉〈…〉 con∣sequences of them must 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faithfully concealed, lest by growing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst ordinary people, they be disrespecte••••. This is that I shall publish.

CHAP. I.

How 〈…〉〈…〉 in diver•• 〈…〉〈…〉 be re••••.

THere are many, an•• almost infinit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 write things of necessity, that the Charact•••• shall not 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ou dip them into waters, or put them neer the 〈…〉〈…〉 them over. 〈…〉〈…〉 are read by dipping them into waters. Therefore

If you desire that letters not 〈…〉〈…〉 are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may be hi••••,

Let Vitriol soak in boyling water▪ when 〈…〉〈…〉 strain it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 till the water grow clear; with that liquor write 〈…〉〈…〉 are dry, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Moreover, grind•• burnt straw 〈…〉〈…〉; ••••egar and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will, write 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the spaces between the fo••••er li••••s, describ•••• large. Then 〈…〉〈…〉 Galls in white Wine, wet a spunge in the liquor; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when you have need 〈…〉〈…〉, and we•• the letters so long until the native black 〈◊〉〈◊〉 disappear, but the former colour, that was not seen, may 〈…〉〈…〉 I will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in what liquors paper must be soaked to make letters 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be see 〈…〉〈…〉 said, Dissolve Vitriol 〈…〉〈…〉 then powder Galls finely, and soak them in••••ter; let them stay there twenty four hours: filtre them through 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cloth 〈…〉〈…〉, that may make the water clear, and make letters upon 〈…〉〈…〉 to have concealed; send it to your Friend absent: when you would have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 appear, dip them in the first liquor, and the letters ••ill presen••••y be seen.

That di••••••ng 〈◊〉〈◊〉 line•••••• water 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may appear.

Dissolve Alom in water, and 〈…〉〈…〉 linen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, napkins, and the like; for when they are dry they will 〈…〉〈…〉. When you will have them visible, 〈…〉〈…〉 linen 〈…〉〈…〉 to be darkned: but only where the Alom 〈…〉〈…〉 that you may read them: 〈…〉〈…〉 are dissolved, those parts will admit water 〈◊〉〈◊〉

White 〈…〉〈…〉

Litharge is first powdered and cast into an earthen pot that hath water and vinegar mix'd; boyl it, and strain it, and keep it: then write letters with Citron Lemons juce: these are added to them when they begin to dry. If you dip them in the liquor kept, they will appear clearly and very white. If womens brests or hands be wet in it, and you sprinkle the said water upon them, they will grow white as Milk. Use it. If at any time you want 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if you please,

A stone dipped in vinegar will shew the letters.

Make letters with Goats far upon a stone; when they are dry; they will not be seen. If the stone be dip•• into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they presently come forth, and seem above the stone. But if you would have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writ with water only, appear black, that you may the better be provided 〈◊〉〈◊〉 more speedily for a voyage; beat Galls and Vitriol finely, and strew this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on your paper: rub it with a cloth, and polish it well, that so it may stick fast to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and be like it. Powder J••niper-gum, which Scriveners call Vernish, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the rest: when you would use it, write with water o••••pittle, and they will be black letters. There are many such Arts, too tedious to relate.

CHAP. II.

〈…〉〈…〉 in the fire.

〈…〉〈…〉 letters are not made visible 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by fire, or not, unless 〈◊〉〈◊〉 light interpose or may be read when they are burnt.

To make letters visible by fire.

So we may bring 〈…〉〈…〉 between the verses, and in the close setting together, or larger 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••ables. Let 〈…〉〈…〉 contain so••e void space, that the letters may not 〈…〉〈…〉; and if this 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ed, it 〈…〉〈…〉 be read. If you write with the juice of Citrons, Oranges, Onyons, or almost 〈…〉〈…〉 things, if you make it 〈…〉〈…〉 presently discovered: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they are undigested juic•• 〈…〉〈…〉 detected by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the fire▪ and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth 〈…〉〈…〉 would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••f they were 〈…〉〈…〉 a 〈…〉〈…〉 that 〈…〉〈…〉 to the fire, they are concocted: and will give the 〈…〉〈…〉 colour they would in due time g••ve upon the tree; when they were 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Juice of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, added to Cala••us, will make a green; to 〈…〉〈…〉 will shew divers colours by the fire. By these means, 〈…〉〈…〉 love-Letters escape from those that have 〈…〉〈…〉 of Salt called Ammoniac; this powder•••• and mingled with 〈…〉〈…〉 will 〈…〉〈…〉 letters; and can hardly be di∣stinguished from the paper 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hold them to 〈…〉〈…〉 will shew black. Also,

Letters th•••• cannot be read unless the paper be burnt.

For the mixture will be white, 〈…〉〈…〉; but when it is burnt, the paper will be black and 〈…〉〈…〉 will be 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••rpest vinegar and the white of an Eg•••• in these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Quick-〈◊〉〈◊〉 stir it well; and with that mix∣ture make Letters 〈…〉〈…〉 and the letters 〈…〉〈…〉 unburnt; or make letters 〈…〉〈…〉 or any and or Salt or Lime; these, bring they cannot be see•• 〈…〉〈…〉 when the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is burnt and made black, they will appear white. If you will, you may

Write letters 〈…〉〈…〉 of fire.

Do it th••••••, Mingle 〈…〉〈…〉 with G••m Traganth, soaked, and of this mixture 〈…〉〈…〉, that 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 letters 〈…〉〈…〉: for that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter opposed against outward 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, that the ••ays cannot come to out ••ight; and 〈…〉〈…〉 a shadow.

CHAP. III.

How Letters rub d with dust may be seen.

NOw I will use another artifice, that Letters rubbed with dust may be read, that were before invisible, which I read was used by the Ancients: wherefore do thus:

That Letters rubbed with mill-dust may be read.

That as in paper, so on some unseen parts of the Body, Letters written may lie hid, and be opened when need is; write secretly on your Back or Arms o•• other Limbs, with Vinegar or Urine, and dry it that nothing may appear: now, to have it read, rub it over with foot or burnt paper; for so the Letters will shineforth. Or,

Otherwise,

If you make Letters with Fat, Tallow or any other fatty with Gum, or Milk of a Fig-tree, and strew them with the dust of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or 〈…〉〈…〉, they will appear. It may be by this craft, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Greek saith, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 used the in∣printed inscription in a Beast for a sacrifice. He, 〈…〉〈…〉 Soldiers, to make them fight valiantly with their Enemies, 〈…〉〈…〉 number; supposing it would be no little advantage to put them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 before hand of the assurance of the victory, invented a trivial business; but otherwise pro∣fitable, with the Priest that was to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the sacrifice, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Before the day they were to fight, he prepares for the victory•• for 〈…〉〈…〉 to offer sacrifice, pray'd unto the gods, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Sacrifice in 〈…〉〈…〉 King used powder∣ed Gum, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the right to the left side, he dre•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 words: Reg•• Victoria, The Victory is the King's: and when the Entrails were drawn forth, he thrust his hand into the hottest and most spun•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 the inscription. But the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, changing the outer parts, and doing his 〈…〉〈…〉 the part where this inscription was contained, Reg•• Victoria. 〈…〉〈…〉 sooner publish∣ed, but the Soldiers generally 〈…〉〈…〉, to sh••w how ready they were to fight; so 〈…〉〈…〉 with certain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Victory, and depending on this promise from 〈…〉〈…〉, they fight to ••••agiously, and subdued the French. But to the matter 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will do the same, if it be written on white paper, and afterwards 〈…〉〈…〉 be 〈…〉〈…〉 with cole dust strewed upon it, and made clea•• 〈…〉〈…〉 presently appear black. Pliny saith, the Milk of T••hynal•• will do the like, to make the Letters, and dust strewed on them to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them: 〈…〉〈…〉 had rather speak with Adulterers, then by Letters. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 confirms this, 〈…〉〈…〉 Amandi, how they may safely write to their Sweet-hearts.

〈…〉〈…〉 Milk, it's 〈…〉〈…〉 but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The writing with cole-dust 〈◊〉〈◊〉 full-right 〈…〉〈…〉 as if 〈…〉〈…〉, 〈…〉〈…〉

Also there is an Art that one would not imagine, to write upon Chrystal: for, being all transparent, no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will dream of it, and the letters may lie hid within. Do it thus:

That letter•• 〈…〉〈…〉 of fine dus••▪

Dissolve Gum 〈…〉〈…〉 may be cl••er; and when it is well dissolved, it 〈…〉〈…〉 or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Cup or Glass; for when the 〈…〉〈…〉. No man will imagine the fraud, if a Cup besent to one in 〈…〉〈…〉 Glass 〈…〉〈…〉: when he would see the letters, rub 〈◊〉〈◊〉 straw 〈◊〉〈◊〉 paper upon it, 〈…〉〈…〉 will presently be seen. Here is another secret,

That letters on the paper may be read, not by fire, nor water, or any other thing, but in the dust only.

This is a secret worth knowing: dissolve Goats suet with a little Turpentine: rub the paper with this liquor, and keep it: when you would send some news to your friend, lay on the paper 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with the ••at upon a letter you would send to your friend; write upon that with an iron point, and the suet will make the characters on the let∣ter: send this away; and if it be intercepted, no water will make the words visible, or any other Art, but only strewing dust upon it. Also you may make

That upon black paper, white letters may appear.

The reason is this: mingle the white and yelk of an Egg together, that it may be liquid as ink: with this liquer, writeth the paper what words you please, and dry them: when the paper is dry, shake a black colour over it, and dry it again, and send it, but that the letters may be visible, scrape the superficies of the paper with a broad iron for so it will be, that the ink being scraped off, where the letters were, they will appear white.

CHAP. IV.

How you may write in an Egg.

〈…〉〈…〉 by the P••pal Inquisition, and no 〈…〉〈…〉, I will shew you how Letters may be writ on the upper shell 〈…〉〈…〉 of an Egg also: for example,

That letters may be written the Egg-she••••••▪

Wrap the Egg in wax and with an iron point make letters on it, as far as to the shell; but break it not: for 〈…〉〈…〉 shell with you iron, or point, or knife, it may be detected. So a••••••our Egg one ••ight in strong 〈…〉〈…〉 depart, which separates gold from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the morning take away the wax; and take off the Egg-shell•• cover, and hold the shell between your eye and the light▪ and the letters will be seen very clear quite through the 〈…〉〈…〉. The same is done with the juice of Lemons: for it softeneth the 〈…〉〈…〉 not, and you shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your desire. Will you

〈…〉〈…〉 the white▪

yellow, and better when the Egg is boyl'd. 〈…〉〈…〉 Egg hard and rowl it in wax, and engrave the letters on the wax with an iron 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the marks may lie open: put this Egg into liquor with A••om and Galls 〈…〉〈…〉 then put it into sharp Vinegar, and they will 〈…〉〈…〉 and taking off the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you shall see them in the white of the Egg. 〈…〉〈…〉 and alom with vinegar, till they be as thick 〈◊〉〈◊〉: with this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 what you will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Egg; and when the writing is dried in the Sun, put it 〈…〉〈…〉: dry it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it▪ and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 off the shell, and you shall read the writin•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put it into vinegar, and 〈…〉〈…〉 nothing of it. Perhaps, he means by pickle, 〈…〉〈…〉. The cause is this: the Egg-shell is porous, and hath large holes, which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉; for being set up the fire it will sweat, and water will come forth; and looking at it against 〈…〉〈…〉 will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clear; so then, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being subtile, pe••••rates by the p••res, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the shell 〈…〉〈…〉 and when it is mingled with the Alom & Galls, it 〈…〉〈…〉 them appear on the white; and when it is put into 〈…〉〈…〉 to be hard as it was. But observe, it must not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long in vinegar; for that will eat off all the shell, and will leave the Egg bare, having nothing 〈…〉〈…〉 to cover it: and if you put that into cold water, the shell will not come again. If 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will know

How letters writ with water, maybe seen in an Egg,

Dissolve 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and writ 〈…〉〈…〉 dry it, and nothing will be seen. If you will read 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dissolve Galls 〈…〉〈…〉 steep the Egg therein: or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Lime-water 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Egg, and 〈…〉〈…〉 Brasil is infused; and so the letters will seem to be 〈…〉〈…〉 upon the shell, and steep it in water 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vitriol: 〈…〉〈…〉 is dry, 〈…〉〈…〉, and nothing will be seen: when you afterwards steep it in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wine, white letters will appear in a black shell. I will shew,

How letters may become visible upon an Egg by the fire.

Write on the Egg with juice of Lemmons, or Onyons, or Fig-milk•• when you put this to the fire, the Letters will appear yellow: and that must be done on a raw Egg: for if you boyl it, the letters will be seen.

That letters may be seen on the Egg shell by dust.

Make letters on the shell with vinegar, suet, fig-tree milk, or of Tithymal, or with gums: when you would have them seen, rub them with cole-dust, or burnt straw, or paper, and they will seem black. There is a way

How to put a letter into an Egg.

Make your letter that you send, narrow and long, searce broader then your middle-finger: write your minde in short characters, and with the edge of a knife, make a cut in the Egg, and break the inward skin, and put in your letter at one end by degrees: for it will easily take it in, were it ten hands breadth: then stop the cut, with lime and gum mingled, that it may not be seen, and with Ceruss and 〈…〉〈…〉; for then it is impossible to discern it. But if you will have this done more neatly, put the egge in sharp vinegar three or four hours: and when you finde it soft▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 the shell with the edge of your knife, put in your roll of paper▪ then soak it in 〈…〉〈…〉 and the shell will grow as hard as it was.

CHAP. V.

How you may write in divers places, and 〈…〉〈…〉

I Have shewed you di••••••s ways of writing invisible; now I come to those ways that will teach you to write letters on divers things, which though they be visible, and intercepted, yet the Reader will be deceived by their secret device. First,

How to write 〈…〉〈…〉

Let us see how they did this in elder times 〈…〉〈…〉, That when the Lacedemon•••••• writ to their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that their 〈…〉〈…〉 being intercepted by the e∣nemies might not be read, invented this kinde of writing; yet it is referred to Archi∣medes to be the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it. Tw•• sticks must be 〈…〉〈…〉, and polished with the Turners in 〈◊〉〈◊〉; they must be equal for 〈…〉〈…〉 and thickness. One of these was given to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when he 〈…〉〈…〉 and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was kept at home 〈…〉〈…〉 Senate: 〈…〉〈…〉 a page 〈…〉〈…〉 a∣bout the stick, as large as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the matter 〈…〉〈…〉 might make a round vo∣lume, and the sides of it were 〈…〉〈…〉, that they were like a collar that ex∣actly fitted the wood, and no 〈…〉〈…〉 that thus was rolled about the stick, they writ letters 〈…〉〈…〉 collar thus written on, being long and narrow, 〈…〉〈…〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 the Ge∣neral; for they thought, if it was ••••••••••scepted by the 〈…〉〈…〉 when they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bits of letters, and 〈…〉〈…〉 of words, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at divided, they 〈…〉〈…〉 discern the thing: and they were not deceived 〈…〉〈…〉 fell among 〈…〉〈…〉 the enemy, did not imagine any thing was 〈…〉〈…〉 let them 〈…〉〈…〉 as with a thing done as all adventures, and insignificant: but he to whom it was writ, applied this band, and rolled it about, as it was 〈…〉〈…〉 upon and 〈…〉〈…〉 words lay joyn'd as they should be, and so be knew the message. The Greeks call this khird of writing, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Plutarch saith, 〈…〉〈…〉 was brought to Lysander by Hellespont. But I inven•••••• 〈…〉〈…〉 make two small sticks alike great and round: one we give to our friend that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 far from us, and hold the other by us: let us make them stick so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together, that they may joyn, and seem to be as on•• and the wood not 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈…〉〈…〉 should be, and write long-ways on the stick what you please; the 〈…〉〈…〉 more lines will they re∣ceive. If you first steep 〈…〉〈…〉 is dissolved, the Ink will not spread; but the letter•• will 〈…〉〈…〉 ••ake your Threed that is a∣bout the ••••ick▪ and 〈…〉〈…〉 to keep 〈…〉〈…〉 secret, 〈…〉〈…〉 the edges of napkins or 〈…〉〈…〉 your 〈…〉〈…〉 for the curious watch shall discern nothing 〈…〉〈…〉 our friend winding the Threed about the 〈…〉〈…〉 to make the points 〈…〉〈…〉 the tops and agree well, shall easily read them. I will shew.

How to write on Parchment, that the Letters may not be seen.

When you have writ on Parchment, put it to the light of a candle, or to the fire, and it will all crumple and run together, and be nothing like what it was; if a man look on it, he will hardly suspect any fraud. If he desires to read what is in it, let him lay it on moyst places, or sprinkle it gently with water, and it will be dilated again, and all the wrinkles will be gone, and it will appear as it did at frst, that you may read the Letters upon it, without any hindrance. Now I will shew the way

How in the Sections of Books the Characters shall be hid.

When the Book is well bound, and cut, and coloured black; if we open it, and turn back the leaves, that they may be turned in, we may write at the corners of the leaves what we will: but when the Book is set back again, and the leaves put into their own places, nothing is seen or can be imagined to be writ in them; but he that would read those Letters, must set the Book that way as it was, and the Letters will be read. So may we write on fly-traps, that are made with wrinkles, and then draw them forth. If need be, we may do

The same with Cards to play with.

You may excellent well write on Cards, if you put them in some order, that one may follow the other; and some shall be upright, others turned downwards. When you have set them right together, you may write all things where they divide: mingle the Cards together again, and turn them, and nothing will be seen but some disor∣derly marks, if any man look curiously upon them. But he that would read them, must set them in order, and they will joyn and be read exactly. Also, we may write in white Pigeons, and other white Birds, feathers of their wings, turning them upwards; for when they return to their own places, they will shew nothing. But if they be brought to their former posture, you will read the Letters; and this is no small benefit for those that shall use them for messengers. There is a way

To hide Letters upon wood.

Any one may make Letters upon wood, and not be suspected; for they shall not be seen, but when we please. Let the wood be fleshy and soft, of Poplar, or Tile-tree, or such like: and with those iron Markers Printers use, when they make stamps upon Brass, commonly called Ponzones, make Letters in the wood, half a finger thick: then hew the wood with a Carpenters hatchet, as deep as the Letters go; when all is made plain, and equal, send the stick to your friend, or board, to him that knows the matter; he putting the wood into the water, the wood will swell out, that was beaten in with the marks, and the Letters will come forth. That we may do in wooden vessels, polished by the turner, if when they are turned, we mark the Let∣ters on them; and then turn them again: when this is done, send it to your friend, and let him soke it in water, &c.

CHAP. VI.

In what places Letters may be inclosed.

I Shall speak in what places Letters may be inclosed, and not be suspected; and I shall speak last of Carriers. I shall bring such examples as I have read in Antient Histories, and what good a man may learn by them. First,

How to hide Letters in wood.

Theophrastus's opinion was, that if we cut the green bark of a Tree, and make it hol∣low within, as much as will contain the Letters, and then bind it about, in a short time it will grow together again, with the Letters shut up within it. Thus he saith, That by including some religious precepts in wood, people may be allured; for they will admire at it. But I mention this out of Theophrastus, rather for a similitude,

then for to do the thing I would have, for that would require a long time. But this may be done well in dry wood, as in Fir: thus; the chinks fastning together with com∣mon white glew. Also the Antients used

To conceal Letters in Junkets.

I will relate the cunning of the Wife of Polycretes; for she, whilst in the Milesian camps they solemnized a Solemn Feast of their Country; when they were all fast asleep, and drunk, took this opportunity to tell her brothers of it, and did thus. She desired Diognetus, General of the Erythrei, that she might send some Junkets to her brothers: and when she had leave, she put a leaden scrole into a cake, and she bad the bearer tell her brothers from her, that no man should eat of it but themselves. When they heard this, they opened the cake, and found the Letter, and performed the contents of it. They came upon the enemy by night, that was dead drunk at the Feast, and conquered him. Also the Antients were wont

To shut up Letters in living creatures.

Herodotus saith, That Harpagus sent Letters to Cyrus, put into the belly of a Hare whose entrails were taken out, by one that counterfeited a shepherd hunting. So

Letters may be hid in Garments.

The secret places of clothes are best, to avoid suspicion; as in your bosom, or under the soles of your feet. Ovid in his Arte Amandi, writes to this purpose:

Letters may be concealed in your brest, Wrapt in a clowt, which way is held the best; Or else you may under your feet provide A place full closely Letters for to hide.

To hide Letters in your belt.

Those of Campania were wont, when they would discover any thing to the Cartha∣ginians, and the Romans besieged them round; they sent a man that seemed to run from them, with a Letter concealed in his girdle; and he taking occasion to escape, brought it to the Carthaginians. Others carried Letters in their scabbards, and sent them away by messengers, and were not found out. But we use now adays

To hide letters in the Bowels of living creatures.

For we wrap them in some meat, and give them to a Dog, or some other creature to swallow; that when he is killed, the letters may be found in his belly: and there is nothing neglected to make this way certain. The like was done by Harpagus. He, as Herodotus saith, being to discover to Cyrus some secrets, when the ways were stopt, that he could do it by no other means, he delivered the letters to a faithful servant, who went like a Hunter, that had catcht a Hare; and in her belly were the letters put, when the guts were taken forth, and so they were brought to Persis. We use also

To shut up letters in stones.

Flints are beaten very fine in brazen Mortars, and sifted; then are they melted in a brass Cauldron, by putting two ounces of Colophonia to one pound of the pow∣der of the stone; and mingling them, put your letters into leaden plates, and hide them in the middle of the composition, and put the lump into a linnen bag, and tye it fast, that it may be round; then sink it into cold water, and it will grow hard, and appear like a flint.

CHAP. VII.

What secret Messengers may be used.

THe Antients used the same craft for Messengers; for they used men that should be disguised by their habits, and some living creatures besides. For

To counterfeit the shape of a Dog,

It was the crafty counsel of Josippus, that the Messengers should be clad with skins, and so they past the enemies guards, and were not regarded; for if they were seen, they were in the likeness of Dogs; and this was done until the enemy found out the trick, and compassed the Rampart round about. And mans curiosity was not satis∣fied here, till they found means for ways to pass, where the Sentinels and Scouts might not discover them; wherefore they left the land, and sent by water: But that the writing might not be spoiled in the water, as Frontinus saith, The Souldiers that past over the River Saltella, had leaden plates writ upon, fastned to their arms. But Lucullus, as the same Frontinus reports, that he might declare to the Cyziceni, that were besieged by Mithridates, that he was coming to relieve them, all narrow passages being stopt by the enemies guards, that were joyned to the continent by a small bridge, he sought a way by sea. For a private Souldier appointed for it, sitting on two 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 Gene∣ral. So they often used

Arrows for Messengers:

But that seemed not sufficient, for they feared mens cunning, lest some chance or fraud might intercept the messenger, and the secret should be discovered, or they should be racked to make them confess. Sometimes therefore they sought a way in the Air, and used Arrows for messengers, that none might intercept them. Herodo∣tus saith, That Artabazus and Timoxenus did this, when one would declare any thing to the other; for the paper was folded about the foot of the Arrow, and the feathers were put upon it, and it was so shot into the place appointed. To this appertains the example of Cleonymus King of the Lacedemonians. He besieging the city Troezene, commanded many of his best Archers to shoot Arrows into several places; and he writ upon them: I come to relieve your City; and by this means he set ladders, and his Army scaled the walls and went in, and plundered the place, and destroyed it. But when Caesar heard that Cicero besieged by the French, could hold out no longer, he sent a Souldier by night, who should shoot a Letter, fastned to an Arrow, over the well: when he had done this, the watch found the Arrow and the Letter, and brought it to Cicero. In it were these words written: Caesar bids Cicero be confi∣dent, and to expect relief. So Caesar came suddenly, and slaying the enemies, relieved him. We can do it safer▪ and better now adays with Guns: if the matter to be sent be contained in few words, we may shoot them forth with Muskets; namely, by folding up the paper, and putting it into a case of lead, where they cast bullets, pouring upon it melted lead, but not burning hot; the paper wrapt up in the lead, we shoot away with the Powder to the place. But because the Letters are but small, we may shoot many of them in a day. The way to melt the Ball is, by putting it to a gentle fire, or into quick-silver, and it will soon melt, and the paper not be touched. I shall shew now

How to make Pigeons your Messengers.

We may use Birds for Messengers: as Pigeons, Swallows, Quails, and others: For these Birds carried to other places, when need is, if you bind Letters to their necks or feet, they will return with them: and when any thing was suddenly to be rela∣ted, the Antients sometimes used these Messengers. Hircius being Consul, as Fronti∣nus testifies, sent forth Pigeons from the neerest place he could from the walls, which had been long shut up in the dark, and half fa••ished, to Decimus Brutus, who was

besieged at Mutina by Anthony. They being glad of light, and defiring meat, flew and sat upon the highest parts of the houses; Brutus catcht them, and so was confir∣med how things were: wherefore, always laying meat in those places, he call'd them back again. Hence Pliny. Nor Ramparts, nor Scouts, nor Nets pitch'd before Rivers, did profit Anthony; for the Messenger went through the Air. By the same way, in the very same day, from Olympia to Aegina, was the victory of Taurosthen••s declared to his Father; though others say it was to reseen: others say, That Taurosthe∣nes, when he went forth, took a Pigeon from her yong ones, yet weak and not able to fly, and as soon as he had conquered, he sent her back again, purple-coloured; and she making great hast to her yong ones, flew that very day from Pisa to Aegina. Aelian writes this. Some have sought to do this by Swallows, taken out of their nests from their yong, and sent back again. Some also attest, that beyond set East∣ward, there are Pigeons that when the way is stopt, will fly through the midst of the enemies, and carry Letters under their wings, a very long way. It may be Juvenal meant this, when he said,

As if from divers parts a letter were Brought with a doufful wing quite through the Air.

Also in old Monuments and Histories it is declared, that there was a King of Egypt, whose name was Marrhes, who bred up a tame Rook, and this he made use of for a winged messenger, so oft as he had need: for, as if she had reason, she would carry the Letter where she was directed; for she was so crafty, as to be instructed whit ••ee to fly, and where to stay, or rest at any time. Mans wit hath invented these shifts to avoid danger; but by the same craft is he wounded sometimes, as it were with his own weapons. When the Christians with an Army besieged Ptolemais, when Saladine had appointed a Pigeon to be sent thus with Letters to the besieged, to wish them to be constant, and expect his coming suddenly; the Christians catch'd her, and tied a contrary letter to her, and sent her away: whence it fell out, that they despairing of relief, yielded themselves: so there can be no certain security in humane affairs, but there may be fraud in all things. Themistius saith, That amongst Animals, Pigeons have the best memory, as having a clear and refined mind. Where∣fore, though all other Animals make hast to their yong ones, when they are taken from them, yet none of them carried far, can come back, because their memory fails. I have seen the tryal with Pigeons. When my servant came from my Farm, he brought home some yong Pigeons taken from their dams, and he wrapt them up in a cloak as we went; and when we came home at night, they were shut up in the house; but when the morning came, they flew out of the windows; and discover∣ing the country afar off, they took upon the wing, and flew all home again. Where∣fore in Genesis, Noah sent forth a Pigeon, which returned; but the Raven returned not. For the Raven wants memory. I remember in Plutarchs works, what is worth relating that I read there, That by the Pigeon sent forth of the Ark, in Deucalio••s flood, was shewed, that the waters were sunk down, and the storms past. Animals that have newly brought forth yong ones, will do the same.

CHAP. VIII.

How Messengers may be sent, who shall neither know that they carry letters, nor can they be found about them.

OUr Ancestors had another Art▪ that could not be discovered, invented by strange craft. Herodotus mentions it from Hestiaeus, who was the Author of it. He being born in Asia, when of noble place, when Darius ruled, when he was with the King in Persia, and would privately write to Aristagorus to fall from him, fearing lest if he should not do it cunningly, he should be discovered, and be in great danger, he invented this way. He shaved off his servants hair of his head, as though he meant to cure him, who for a long time had been troubled with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eyes: and on

his head, with good ink, he writ letters, that contained what he meant to have done▪ he kept this fellow at home with him, until his hair was grown again; when that was done, he sent him away to Aristagoras, bidding him say, when he came to him, that he should do unto him, in shaving off his hair, as he did before: When the ser∣vant came to Aristagoras, to Mile••um, he said what his Master bad him say to Aristagoras: he supposing the bu••••ne••s not to be idle, did what he was ordered, and so read the message. The Antients found out these inventions, to send messengers with. Yet that can be no safe way, to shave off the hair, and to write letters upon the head, for the head will easily sweat, and put them out. And if the skin be pricked with a needle, this will not avoid the suspition, if he that wears the writing, be laid bold on by the way: for then is there most diligent search: for fear and necessity will make men watchful, and they are never satisfied, till they have searched every place. Sometimes they try men by fair promises, sometimes they fright them with threats; and if these will not do, they torment and torture them, to make them confess: and if this will not do, that letters may not be secretly conveyed, not onely their hose and shooes use to be searched, their clothes pluckt off, and the seams riot, but they will search their very guts; so far is it from keeping any secret upon the head, that shall not be look'd for. But I can send Letters, and write so, that it can be under∣stood by none, but those that the letters are design'd for. And he that carrieth them never so far off, if he should be taken by the way, and examined by torments, he can confess nothing, because he knows nothing of it, and the Letter shall al∣ways remain secret. Nor will length of time, or sweat in travel, blot out the Let∣ters; nor is it any matter if the messenger pass through Rivers, Seas, or Rain; for wet will not hurt them. What good Princes may get by this, I leave to your cogita∣tions; for they have most need of this, when they would declare any thing to their friends, that are besieged: and oft-times upon one message, may the victory of a Ci∣ty or Army depend. The invention of the Antients, was partly good, and partly bad. They writ Letters on his head, which he could not read; nor would water or sweat, wash them off, because they were printed into the head: and when the hair grew out, they could not be seen. And that the messenger might be ig∣norant what was writ upon his head, they took occasion for it, saying, he had a pain in his eyes, that they would cure: and thus he knew not the craft they used. But this fraud seems not very secure, for one that should suspect it might shave off the hair, and find out the secret. Moreover, if the messenger were to be sent sud∣denly, how could he stay a moneth, till his hair were grown again? and when his skin was prickt for to make the Letters, he must needs suspect something. But let us see

How Hestiaus could make the Letters on his head indelible.

He wounded the skin with the point of a needle, or opened it with a rasor, and cast in the powder of Colophonia burnt; for so we use to make the names of Masters, upon the faces of bond-slaves, that they shall never come forth, and in time they will look green. Also

Letters may be made between the skin, that are indelible, upon any part.

You may soon do it thus: Let Cantharides steep a whole day in strong water, but sooner is it done in water of separation; then make the letters with a Pen-knife, or fit instrument, upon the upper skin of the Arm, or any other part; the flesh hurt with the moysture, will rise in blisters, and be exulcerated; so by the force of this corro∣ding water, will there always remain the prints of white letters, and they will never be blotted out. And this is best done by Hestiaus secret, because the letters could not be read under the hair, whereas white letters, like milk, would be seen. But would we have them stay onely for sometime, and not always, we may do it many ways. If you make letters with Aqua fortis, that hath eaten silver or brass, they will appear many days. So it may be done with oyl of Honey. Now I will shew

How a man may carry letters that are indelible and invisible, and unknown to him; and how to make them visible when need is.

You may do it thus: by writing letters on the messengers back, that he may not know of, having first given him an Opiat to make him sleep soundly, then write, and let them dry in; when he awakes, send him away, the letters dried on will not be seen: The Antients knew this. Ovid saith it:

Write on his back for paper, so you shall Better conceal your purpose from them all.

But let us see whether we can write on the flesh with any liquour, that passing through Rivers and Rain, the letters may not be blotted out with any moysture, and then by strewing on of dust, may be made visible again. Write on a mans back, which shall be visible onely, by being wet with some humour, and no man can find out, unless he know the secret. If you write with water, wherein Vitriol is dissol∣ved, with a decoction of Galls, it will be seen. If it be made very sharp, it will pierce the skin, and the letters will be delible: we may do the same with the oyl of it. Salt Ammoniac with quick Lime, or Sope, will make a blew colour. If they be rubbed with oyl of Litharge, they will appear white, with Aqua vitae, or its equal, distilled vinegar, and water and Salt.

CHAP. IX.

How Characters may be made, that at set days shall vanish from the paper.

I Shall attempt to shew how letters may be written on paper, or in other matter, that shall disappear at set times: and other letters shall be made invisible, that at a time certain shall appear, not onely useful for secret marks, but for other purposes necessary for our lives. Letters that decay and vanish, may be made two ways, ei∣ther with Aqua fortis, that eats the paper, or some decaying liquors, that will vanish with any light touch, and leave the place where they were, without any spot. I shall teach

How letters are made, that eat the paper.

If you mingle oyl of Vitriol with common ink or any other black colour, in few days by corroding the paper, or the ink it self, the letters will vanish, or in a moneth, as you put in more or less of the oyl; and this you may try before you send away your letter: If you would have it work more slowly, add but a little oyl; if faster, put in more: you may, when it is too strong, put some water to it. The same is performed, if you mix a strong lye, they call it the Capital, with your ink; for first they will be yellow, and then they will vanish. The same is done by oyl of Tartar, or Salt Alkali, or Soda, and strong water of separation of Gold; for these corrode the letters, and the paper, that nothing of the letters will appear. If you desire to know

How letters may be made, that will soon vanish;

Make them with the strongest Aqua vitae, or use Camphir and burnt straws: for the letters in time, will decay and vanish; the tincture will fall off, when the glutinous matter is gone. Make a powder of a very fine touch-stone; for the Sandy-stone will sooner decay, that no letter shall be seen. Also it is done

Another way:

Infuse the small filings of steel in water of separation; take a treble quantity of this, and add thereto liquid Pitch, or Soot of Turpentine, to make it the blacker, and co∣ver the vessel: grind this on a Porphyre-stone, write, and they will vanish and fall a∣way. This secret I thought not fit to overpass, because it is the principal thing to be considered, to make tryal oft-times; for if it stay long on the paper, add more strong water to it; and if you be careful, no mark of the writing will remain. You shall do it like to this, another way. If it be good so to counterfeit: Take Chrysocolla, Salt Ammoniac, and Alom, all alike; powder them all, and put them into a Cru∣cible,

and make a strong lye of quick-lime, and laying a linnen cloth over the mouth of the vessel, that must receive it, strain it; boil it a little, mingle this with your ink, they will remain a while, but in short time the letters will vanish away. Set it up for you use. But contrarily, if you will

That invisible letters after some time, shall become visible

and shew themselves; I will give you some examples, that you may invent more thereby your self. If you write with juice of Citrons or Oranges, on Copper or Brass, and leave this so for twenty days, the letters will appear green upon the place: the same may be done many other ways, namely, by dissolving salt Ammoniac in wa∣ter, and writing with it upon Brass, the place will sooner appear of verdigreese-colour.

CHAP. X.

How we may take off letters that are written upon the paper.

IF we would take letters from off the paper, or that such as are blotted out might appear again, we must use this art. As, if we would

Take letters off the paper,

or from parchment: Take Aqua fortis, that is it that parts gold from silver: with a pensil wipe some of this upon the letters, it will presently wipe off letters, written with Gall and Copras. If you use Aqua fortis, wherein salt Ammoniac is dissolved, it will be sooner done. But printed letters are harder taken out, because that ink hath neither Galls nor Copras: Or rub it with salt Alkali and Sulphur, making little balls of them, and that will eat them out, that nothing shall be seen. But if you desire to write any thing in the place you have made clean; first, wet the place with water, wherein Alom is dissolved, for the ink will not run about. If you desire

To renew letters decayed,

or to read such as are vanished: Boil Galls in wine, and with a spunge wipe over the letters, the letters will presently be seen, when they are once wet thus, and be well coloured as they were at first.

CHAP. XI.

How to counterfeit a seal and writing.

IT 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 Generals Seal, and signed with his Name, to know what is contained within, and to seal them again, writing others that are contrary to them, and the like. I will shew how

To counterfeit the Seal.

Melt Sulphur, and cast it into powder of Ceruss, while it is melted; put this mixture upon the Seal, but sence it about with paper or wax, or chalk, and press it down; when it is cold, take it off, and in that shall you have the print of the Seal. I will do it another way. Fill an earthen pot with Vinegar, cast Vitriol into it, and a good deal of Verdigreese; let it bubble on the fire, put plates of iron into it; after a short time take them out, and from the out-side with your knife, scrape off a kind of rust it hath contracted, that is durty as it were, and put this into a dish under it: again, put them into the earthen pot, and scrape more off when you take them out; do this so often, till you have some quantity of this durty substance: cast quick-silver into this, and make a mixture; and while it is soft and tender, lay it on the Seal, and press it down, and let it remain in the open Air, for it will grow so hard, that you may almost seal with it; for it will become even like to a Metal. It may be also done another way: Take the filings of steel, and put them in an earthen Crucible at a

strong fire; put such things to it, as will hasten the melting of it: when it is melted, cast it into some hollow place, pownd it in a brass Mortar, for it will be easily done: do it so three or four times; then powder it, and mingle quick-silver with it, and let it boil in a glazed vessel six hours, till it be well mingled; then press the seal upon it, and let it cool, and it will become exceeding hard. It is possible

To make a great Seal less,

if it should happen that we want a lesser seal, we must do thus: Take Isinglass, and dissolve it in water: anoynt the figure with oyl, that it may not stick to the glew; compass the seal about with wax, that the matter run not about; put the Isinglass to the fire, and melt it, pour it upon the seal; after three hours, when it is cold, take it away, and let it dry, for the seal when it is dry, will be drawn less equally. If you will

Imitate the form of a writing,

do thus: Open the letter upon a looking-glass, that wants the foyl: upon the letter lay white paper, and a light under the glass; temper your ink as the writing is, and draw your lines upon the lines of the letters you see through. We may

Open letters, and shut them without suspition.

We use to seal letters, putting paper upon them, which goes through the letter on one side, and wax is put on the other side, where it comes forth, and there it is seal∣ed. You shall open the letter thus: Break away that part of the paper, that is put upon the place, where it passeth through the letter, and the hole is, the letter opens presently: read it, and shut it again, and put the paper torn off, in its proper place: first, anoynting the crack with gum-traganth, dissolved in water; for the paper will be so glewed, that it will be stronger there then elsewhere; press it with a small weight, till it grow dry; the fraud cannot be discovered, because the glew is white, and is not known from the colour of the paper.

CHAP. XII.

How you may sp••ak at a great distance.

THere are many way how we may speak at a very great distance, with our friends that are absent, or when they are in prison, or shut up in Cities; and this is done with safety, and without any suspition, as I shall shew. Two things are declared here, either to do it by open voice re••uplicated, or else by a Trunk. We may

With open voyce shew some things to those that are confederate with us.

It is wonderful, that as the Light, so the Voyce is reverberated with equal Angles. I shall shew how this may be done by a glass. It is almost grown common, how to speak through right or circular walls. The voice passing from the mouth goes through the Air: if it goes about a wall that is uniform, it passeth uncorrupted; but if it be at liberty, it is beaten back by the wall it meets with in the way, and is heard, as we see in an Eccho. I through a circular building, that was very long and smooth, spake words to my friend, that heard them round the wall, and the words came entire to his ears; but one standing in the middle heard not any noise, and yet I heard again what my friend answered to me. In the morning whenas I walked by the sea shore, I heard above a mile, what my friends talked in a Boat: the sea was very calm, and scarce moved, and the words came clearly to me, carried on the plain superficies of the water. I hear that at Mantua, and other places, a great Gallery is built, where∣in one speaking in the corner, is heard by another that knows the business, standing in another corner; but those that stand in the middle, perceive nothing of it. But more exactly and clearly

To signifie to friends all things by a Trunk,

Let the pipe be of Earth (but lead is better) or of any matter well closed, that the voice may not get forth in the long passage; for whatever you speak at one end, the voice without any difference, as it came forth of the speakers mouth, comes so to the ears of him that hearkneth; and I doubt not but this may be done some miles off. The voyce not divided or scattered, goes whole a long way I have tried it for above two hundred paces, when I had no other convenience, and the words were heard so clear, and open, as the speaker uttered them: Upon this it came into my mind, to intercept words spoken by the way, with leaden pipes, and to hold them so long as I pleased close in; that when I opened the hole, the words should break forth, I perceive that the sound goes by degrees, and that being carried through a pipe, it may be shut up in the middle; and if a very long Trunk should take away the conve∣nience of it, that many winding pipes might shut it up in a close place. I read that Albertus made an Artificial head, that spake at a set time: I might hope to do the same by this invention; yet I never tried this farther then I have said: yet I have heard by my friends, that lovers have spoke a long time through a leaden pipe, from their Houses that stood far asunder.

CHAP. XIII.

By night we may make signs by fire, and with dust by day.

IT remains to shew whether we can make signs in the night by fire, and in the day by dust, to declare our business. That may fall out two ways: For by fire of a sudden, we shew to our confederate friends, or when we please, by certain numbers of Torches, we represent letters fit to demonstrate what our purpose is, that those that are far off, seeing and observing the motions may perceive our intent. The first way, we read that Medea promised to the Argonauts, that if she killed Pelias, she would signifie so much unto them by night with fire from a watch-Tower, and by day with smoke. When therefore the business was effected, as she would have it, she counterfeited, that she must pay her vows to the Moon, by making a fire, by lighting Torches in the open Air, from the top of the place, as she had promised, and when the Argonauts understood it this way, they invaded the Kings palace, and killing the guard, they made her to enjoy her wishes. We read also that Maga, having possession of Paretonium, agreed with the watch, that at night in the evening, and again in the morning be••imes, they should set up the light that was for confede∣racy; and by that means signs were made, that the messenger came as far as Clius. Also to friends that live out of the City, by fire we may signifie our revenew, and the quality of provision. It is apparent, that Annibal, as Polybius writes, when the peo∣ple of Agrigentum were besieged by the Romans, by many and frequent fires by night, did shew forth the intolerable famine of his Army, and for that cause many of his Souldiers, for want of victuals, fell off to the enemy. Also the Grecians compa∣cted with Sinon, that by night, when the Trojans were asleep, those that came to Troy should have a token, when he should open the Trojan Horse, to let forth the Souldiers that were within. Whence Virgil,

When the Kings fleet lift up the flames, just then Did Sinon let forth all the Grecian men.

Also by Torches letters may be signified, as we find it in the Manuscript of Polybius. Tops of buildings or Towers, are very fit to set up the Torches on. Let the letters be divided into two or three parts, if there may be eleven, or seven parts of each. If they be seven, the first letters are shew'd by single Torches, the second by dou∣ble ones, the third by three Torches. The number may be also divided into four parts: but in representing them, we must observe the variety of motion. For one Torch once lifted up, shall signifie A, the same lifted up twice B, thrice C; so seven times: the last of the first order G, after that two once H, so many twice I, thrice signifies L, and so of the rest of the same order. Then Q by the third order, once,

R by the same, twice, and thrice as many of the same, signifies S, and so it holds for four. Thus a woman from a watch-Tower, with three lights shewed five times, then with double ones twice, then with treble lights twice, then again with one at once, and with the same four times, then five times with three lights, then thrice, and with as many four times, shall signifie, vir adest, the man is come. Also the lights may be of divers colours, if they would shew that friends are neer. Also by smoke, we may shew that our enemies are neer, or some other thing. Hence it was, that by the policy of Amilcar, the men of Agrigentum, being drawn off far from the City, amongst their enemies that they pursued, unto an ambuscado, where the ene∣mies lay hid, and a by wood set on fire, suffered a great overthrow: for when they thought they were called back by their friends, by reason of a smoke they supposed to come from the walls; when they turned their course to go to the City, Amilcar commanding, the Carthaginians followed them, who fled before, and so slew them.