This invention refined, and so abbreviated, that a point only showeth distinctly and significantly any of the twenty-four letters; and these very points to be made with two pens, so that no time will be lost, but as one finger riseth, the other may make the following letter, never clogging the memory with several figures for words, and combinations of letters; which, with ease and void of confusion, are thus speedily and punctually, letter for letter, set down by naked and not multiplied points. And nothing can be less than a point, the mathematical definition of it being cujus pars nulla. And of a motion, equally as swift as semiquavers or relishes, yet applicable to this manner of writing.
NOTE.
Vide the preceding article.
No. V.
A way, by a circular motion, either along a rule or ring-wise, to vary any alphabet, even this of points, so that the self same point, individually placed, without the least additional mark or variation of place, shall stand for all the twenty-four letters, and not for the same letter twice in ten sheets writing; yet as easily and certainly read and known, as if it stood but for one and the self same letter constantly signified.
NOTE.
The gauge, in this case, must accompany the letter to be deciphered, and, when circular, made to resemble a map-meter. By noticing the number of lines passed over by this instrument, and comparing the index-hand with the dots, a sufficiently intelligible though certainly complex cipher may be formed.
No. VI.
How, at a window, as far as eye can discover black from white, a man may hold discourse with his correspondent, without noise made or noise taken; being, according to occasion given and means afforded, ex re natâ, and no need of provision beforehand; though much better if foreseen, and means prepared for it, and a premeditated course taken by mutual consent of parties.