| Figure 4 A TRI-NUMERAL ALPHABET A 111 J 211 S 311 B 112 K 212 T 312 C 113 L 213 U 313 D 121 M 221 V 321 E 122 N 222 W 322 F 123 O 223 X 323 G 131 P 231 Y 331 H 132 Q 232 Z 332 I 133 R 233 & 333 |
This alphabet has had many applications, including the use of colored candy previously mentioned. One contributor to Ohaver’s column submitted a cryptogram of the open-letter type in which the digits 1, 2, 3, were indicated in the number of syllables of the successive words. A sentence, “Can you be sure of sufficient assistance from Mayberry?” indicates the digits 1 1 1, 1 1 3, 3 1 3; and, if the alphabet of Fig. 4 is the one in use, represents the letters A C U. This is of particular interest in that it is easily done without involving the awkward turns of language that so often betray the concealment cipher. (This same contributor, a Mr. Levine, evolved another cipher, accomplished by an arithmetical process, by which it was possible to make a cryptogram convey two separate messages!)
Many writers have shown alphabets of the biform and triform types applied to open-letter communications by making the significant factor the number of vowels contained in successive words. Thus, the sentence given above yields a series 1, 3, 1, 2, 1, 4, 4, 1, 4. Using a biform alphabet, these are usually considered simply as odd and even; with a triform alphabet, some disposition must be made of numbers larger than 3.
The subject is fascinating, and the literature of cryptography is rich with examples. However, we need not delve further into what, after all, is only the stepchild of a legitimate science. The matter of telegraphic transmission alone will bar these ciphers for most general purposes, or the fact that a cipher once betrayed will never serve again. Then, too, the censorship combats it by cutting out or rearranging or changing words, causing the open letter (or telegram) to convey only the information which it purports to convey.
Concealment cipher has, of course, the unique virtue of being able to convey messages under circumstances which make it seem that no communication has passed, and we have hardly touched upon the fact that the short message, prior to its concealment, may have been a well-enciphered one. But we rather suspect that, for the end desired, invisible inks are more convenient and practical.
1. By PICCOLA.
On peut être Napoleon sans être son ami, mes enfants!
2. By B. NATURAL.
FOR SALE: Spring coats. All fine Scotch serge, for ensembles. Stoat
trimmed, fashioned right. Black shirred lining, striped. Effective for
brides. Act quickly. - Abraham Batz, 522 Broad, Telephone Exchange 7104-R.
3. By TITOGI.
How about releasing Tony, the gang chief? He don't lie, and is not the
true slayer either. Let us be friends. I am all right. Ed Lehr.
4. By TRYIT.
To those friends considering, it is always news, but all filled ciphers
disturb happiness with varied answers!
5. By PICCOLA.
Do not send for any supplies before Monday, at earliest. Order once only,
as men in charge are feeling sore about your threat to encourage the
mutiny at Ford's. - Wilson.
6. By PICCOLA. (Why not, indeed?)
A W I T H A N Y S E N D F O R I T Y O U M U S T B E F E A R
T H E C A N H I T T R Y A B O U R E O U T I S E C H I Y O U
A N D M Y T I O N C U P C R E A S K T O C A N D Q.