Digiti-Lingua: OR The most compendious co∣pious, facile, and secret way of silent Converse ever yet discovered.

HAving been obliged (thro' an unfortunate impedi∣ment) to these, or some such like methods of Converse, for now near ten years last past, I have diverse times endeavoured to render the way of expression Page  2more facile, and less burthen∣some to the memory, as well as more brief and copious both in respect of time in which a word may be expressed, and also of the figurative letters which re∣present a word; and having now (in my own judgment) brought it to as convenient a period as I well can, I here present the World with it: To whose cen∣sure or approbation I leave it.

I am sensible there hath of late been published a pretty piece of Ingenuity, intituled Sermo Mira∣bilis, wherein the Author under∣takes (by his Book I mean) to learn a person, so as to be capa∣ble to discover his mind to his Mistress, or his Friend, and re∣quires but six hours time for ap∣prehension. Page  3In which time I truly believe it may be done, and must own it as my own private opinion, that few people would have patience to sit six hours to∣gether, upon no other business, than purely to learn an Alpha∣bet.

The reason why I judge my method more facile in attaining, and less burthensome to the me∣mory, is, because in matters of small moment, to me nothing seems to affect the memory more than sight: Now the Gentleman having contrived most of the Consonants about the Head, which the person expressing can never see, there must certainly be some small time allowed for recollection, that Nose begins Page  4with (n) Mouth with (m) and so of the rest; whereas these Al∣phabets of mine, depending on∣ly on the two hands, the person learning sees every significative figure he makes; the often see∣ing of which, as well as the of∣ten doing so, greatly helps to∣wards impressing it on the me∣mory.

Neither do I perceive how this Gentleman makes his Alpha∣bet more difficult to an indiffe∣rent person, by pointing to two several places for one letter, since his general rule is, that, that part of the Head or Body represents such a letter as the name of such part begins withal, he says, point to Arm for (a) or to Elbow for (e) and omit pointing to the Page  5Thumb and Fore-finger for those two vowels, render it more unin∣telligible to a third person, who is acquainted with his Alphabets, which I cannot apprehend, un∣less he had designed two other letters to be represented by the top of the Thumb and Fore-fin∣ger; because, I say, pointing of∣ten to the Arm (as in discourse is unavoidable) and not at all to the Thumb, any Person (ob∣serving his general rule) might perceive the mutation, and there∣by render it every whit as plain, as without alteration, according to his instructions. I cannot but believe (for the reason before given) it is easier by far to un∣derstand what is said than to ex∣press it, if the several parts are Page  6pointed to but slowly; and in∣deed I think his way will not al∣low of so swift an occular appre∣hension, (unless a Man knows where his Eye may meet a Let∣ter) by reason of the distance of the parts pointed to, as these Alphabets of mine where the Eyes are continually confin'd to so small a compass as about one hand.

All that possibly can be done by the directions given in Sermo Mirabilis, may more quick, free, and easily be done, by the Al∣phabets here delivered, and much more: For two persons can ne∣ver discourse by those letters, unless they see each others Arms, Hands, Head and Body; and that perfectly too, whereas by Page  7my Alphabets nothing is requi∣red but the Hands, which in case of urgent necessity may be held over anothers Head, or the per∣son thus expressing, may put his hands behind him, his Friend standing at his back; nay, a hun∣dred other conveniencies there are, that Arms, Head and Body will never admit of, which any person using these Alphabets will soon discover.

However, for more perspicu∣ous demonstration sake, I think it may not be amiss in this place to subjoyn a supposition or two, which when rightly apprehend∣ed, will as well make way for many more of the like nature, as superlatively convince the un∣prejudiced World, that nothing Page  8of this sort yet published can justly claim a parity, with the Methods here laid down, in re∣spect of their secrecy, pleasure, and conveniency.

In the first place, therefore, I will suppose an honourable and and agreeable contraction, of an inviolable friendship between two persons, (whether of the same or different Sex, I judge it not material to my matter in hand to distinguish) who are both very well versed in one or both of these Alphabets, which many or most of their Friends and Ac∣quaintance may discern; and so perhaps these two Friends, (tho' they know they can discourse together, without any Friends understanding, who I now sup∣pose Page  9to be in company) yet be∣cause they cannot do it without their knowledge that they are com∣municating, they, out of a piece of breeding and gentility totally decline it, because, for a very true reason (though a very ill one, if the same thing at the same time may bear both those con∣trary Titles), viz. The company being ignorant what the two Friends say, that troublesome Fiend jealousy, may suggest no∣cent or dishonourable inclinati∣ons, (especially if of two different Sexes) when in reality it may only be a meer thought, a slight piece of raillery, or a thing of no manner of concern or mo∣ment. But some people are so cursedly bewitched, and by this Page  10Foe to all Quietude, that they no sooner perceive a whisper but they proclaim a Plot. 'Tis what the fair Sex are too often unde∣servedly charged withal. Now if such jealous persons were in company (as sometimes may hap∣pen) and either of the two friends any dependance upon them, I think it great folly this way to disoblige them which may be a∣voided, and one friend disclose his mind to the other, without the least perceivance of any in company, by the use of either of these Alphabets; in this manner, let the person to whom the other is disclosing, but dispose one of his hands out of the company, as to be hid with his Hat, put behind him, under a Table, or Page  11otherwise, as conveniency best offers, so that the person about to disclose stand or sit next him, or can well reach his hand with∣out notice taken by the Compa∣ny: Complying with this cauti∣on, one Friend may discover his mind to the other with all the secrecy imaginable, by making the same Figures on and about his Friends hand, as he could on his own hand if his Friend saw him, because this way the Per∣son to whom spoke, apprehends as well in the dark by feeling, as if he saw the same Figures in the light. Thus in the most private manner, and by stealth, can a man make assignation to meet his friend, promise to re∣new a Visit, ask Counsel, give Page  12Advice, &c. without the least suspicion of the sharpest over∣looker; nay, one of the two friends may look a third person earnestly in the face, as seeming intent on what discourse enter∣tains the Company, and indeed minds only what his silent friend and himself are mutually con∣versing about on each others Fingers. I believe I have by this time furnished a witty head, with ways enough to disclose a secret as private as secrecy it∣self.

Furthermore, any two per∣sons may discourse Riding or Walking, and so that not to be observed by any Persons meeting or passing by.

Page  13But as a Crown to the con∣veniency and pleasure in this way of Converse, let me mention the facility in learning the method here delivered, which is easily done in the space of half an hour, ordinarily while a Pipe is smoaking, or the Cloath taking away. And I can most truly af∣firm I know some great persons, who, after this my manner, can express any thing sooner by their Fingers, than the most skilful Artist can by his Pen and Ink, provided he write in words at length.

I forbear to relate any plea∣sant accidents happening by the use of these Alphabets, because I make use of them Tam Necessi∣tate Quam Diversione.

Page  14Since there is no word but is made up of one or more Vow∣els, the Vowels consequently come about oftner than any five Consonants, wherefore let the Thumb and Four fingers of the left hand, touched by the top of the Fore-finger of the right hand, represent the five Vowels, aciou. viz. the top of the Thumb a. the Fore-finger e. the Middle-finger i. the Ring-finger o. and the little Finger u. as by the Figure.

Page  15

The Consonants are thus decipher'd.
• The fore-finger and thumb of the left-hand put together, B
• The four fingers bent in towards the palm of the hand, C
• The thumb and fore∣finger of the left-hand joyned by the fore-fin∣ger of the right-hand, D
• Page  16The fore-finger of the right hand laid on the back of the 4 fingers of the left hand, F
• The two Fists joyned, G
• Draw the fore-finger of the right hand quite along the middle of the left hand, H
• Touch the Nail of the middle finger of the left hand, I conson.
• Draw the fore-finger of the right hand quite along the back of the left hand, K
• Lay the fore-finger of the right hand on the knuckles of the left, L
• Page  17Put 3 fingers in the palm of the hand, M
• Put 2 fingers in the same manner, N
• Put the fore-finger of the right hand between the fore and middle finger of the left, P
• Turn the top of the fore finger of the left hand to the bottom of the thumb of the same hand, Q
• Lay the fore finger of the right hand semi∣circularly in the palm of the left, R
• Encircle the thumb of the left hand with the fore-finger of the right, S
• Page  18Touch the side of the left hand with the fore finger of the right, T
• Touch the nail of the little finger of the left hand, U conson.
• Put two fingers on the little finger of the left hand, W
• Lay the 2 foer-fin∣gers across, X
• Touch the bottom of the hand long ways with the fore finger of the right hand, Y
• Make the figure of the letter in the palm of the hand, Z
Page  [unnumbered]

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Page  19Notwithstanding I have so largely and plainly described the form of every significative Figure, I have, that the whole Alphabet might be viewed at once, caused these Figures to be here set in their Alphabetical Order, as may be perceived.

Now nothing can be easier, (when any person views the whole twenty six Figures) than to make such and such signs by his fingers at first sight, as (ac∣cording to these rules) represent such and such letters as make up the word he would express, This, I say, must be as facile, as for a skilful Musician to play off a Tune at sight, or as if, out of the twenty six letters, there lit∣terally set over their respective Page  20representative Figures, I were with a Pen and Ink to take AND for and, so likewise of any other word.

But this I think good to ad∣vise, that whosoever desires to be a proficient in this silent Lan∣guage, ought to be able to ex∣press the whole Alphabet in their Alphabetical Order, (laying aside these instructions) as absolutely perfect before they pretend to discourse, as a Boy ought well to make his letters, before he es∣says to write words.

But now it may be objected, if three men buy three of these Books, and make use of the same Alphabet, they must un∣doubtedly alike apprehend, which Page  21I grant to be true; but to make my words good, I here present the world with another Alpha∣bet, and shall anon shew the pleasure and commodity of them both together.

Let the top of the four fingers and the Thumb signifie the five Vowels, a e i o u beginning at the little finger for a. and so back∣wards, as by the following figure.

Page  22

The Consonants I thus dispose.
• The same that (d) is in the other Alphabet, B
• The same that (r) is in the other Alphabet, C
• Joyn the 2 thumbs and 2 fore-fingers, D
• Cross the Wrist with the fore-finger, F
• Put the two Fists one upon another G
• Page  23Draw the fore-finger round the hill of the thumb, H
• The same that (f) is in the other Alphabet, K
• The fore-finger of the right hand laid within the fingers of the left, I.
• The same as in the other Alphabet, MN
• The fore-finger of the right hand put be∣tween the fore-finger & thumb of the left, P
• Encompass the fore∣finger of the right hand with the fore-fin∣ger and thumb of the left, Q
• The same that (h) is in the other Alphabet, R
• Page  24Joyn the 2 little fin∣gers cross ways, S
• Lay the fore-finger of the right hand di∣rectly across the palm of the left hand, T
• Touch the thumb najl, U conson.
• Put all the fingers o∣verone another almost cross, W
• Connex the knuckles X
• Put the fore-singer & thumb of the right hand to the side of the left hand, Y
• As in the other Al∣phabet, Z

But for greater ease to the memory I have caused these Sig∣nificative Figures to be set here in their Alphabetical order that they may be at once veiwed. If Page  [unnumbered] Page  [unnumbered]

Page  25If the instructions given to the former Alphabet are rightly understood, there needs none to this, because reason dictates the same use. Now I would say by this Alphabet, Good Morrow Sir, which is thus done.

The two Fists upon each other. G

Two fingers put up∣on the fore finger of the left hand, oo

Two thumbs and 2 fore-fingers joyned, Which being put together make Good. d

When the word is ended point directly into the middle of the hand, which notation must be given at the end of every word again.

Page  26Three fingers in the middle of the hand, m

Top of the fore-finger o

2 fingers drawn along the middle of thehand rr

Top of the fore-fin∣ger as before, o

Fingers cross ways over one another. w

Then again the Notation

Two little fingers cross ways, S

Top of the middle finger, i

Along the inside of the left hand, r

Then the Notation.

Which being bore in memory make Good morrow Sir.

But if it should so happen that two persons are conversing to∣together by the use of either of Page  27these Alphabets, and suspect a third person to apprehend, 'tis but exchanging five or more Letters in an Alphabet, and they can never make Head or Tayl of it, of which intentions any Man may acquaint his Friend by a whisper or otherwise. As for Example, you would say by this Alphabet Sir your Servant, which in words at length will be thus.

2 little fingers cross ways, S

Top of the middle finger i

Along the inside of the hand, r

The point in the middle of the hand the notation.

Then again, Fore-finger and thumb to the side of the hand y

Top of the fore finger o

Top of the thumb, u

Along the middle of the hand, r

Then the Notation.

Page  28Again, 2 fingers cross ways, S

Top of the ring finger, c

Along the middle of the hand, r

Thumb Nail, v

Top of the little finger, a

2 fingers in the palm, n

Draw the fore-singer di∣rectly down the middle of the hand, t

Then the Notation:

But now I will suppose that you have agreed to take the Vowels as in the other Alphabet, and exchange r in this Alphabet, for r in the other Alphabet, which is c in this, and for c in this Alphabet you will take k in the other alphabet. You must thus begin then.

Two little fingers cross ways S

Top of the middle finger i

Fore finger semicircularly in the palm of the hand, r

Page  29Now any indifferent person that un∣derstood both Alphabets would think that you were about to say sick, or some other word with more letters after the(r) which is (c) in this Alphabet, or else when he sees the period at the end of (c) in this Alphabet, tho to your self and friend it signifies(r) He concludes you speak Latin, or make some mistake in the letters when the truth is, he himself is in error.

But thus exchanging 5 or 6 letters in an Alphabet, in many words they will be found so often to reiterate, that a stand∣er-by (tho acquainted with the method) shall apprehend, but in a meer mist, let him be never so expert at it.

However, having here described 2 Al∣phabets, every person is left to his liberty to make up one for himself and friend out of the 2, that will be as private from all the world, as if they never heard of such an invention, but I think the design here laid down is now made so plain, it needs not further Demonstration.

For an affirmative, point to one Eye.

For a negative, point to the Nose.

But if you neither affirm nor deny, put one finger upon the Eye, and another Page  30upon the Nose, which may very well signify I don't know, or indifferent.

And, whereas most of the letters are deliniated by the Fore-finger of the right hand, if it happens that you are to express two Letters of the same sort just together, it may be done either by two fingers at once as double (o) double (e) double(f) or any other letter except those that are deciphered by more than the fore∣finger of the right hand, or else at twice, as best suits perticular Fancies.

Abbreviating the words by these Signs is the same as with a Pen and Ink, be∣cause to intimate (which) needs no more than the representative Figures of W. C. H. That. Y. T. and so of any other word, as the person himself pleases. The throwing out the hand from the body in way of discourse, signifies and.

I heartily wish all Persons may as soon discern the commodity as the use of these Fruits of a few vacant hours.