Chapter VII

On Preparation of Fictitious Words and Discourse

It appeared form out classification in the first chapter (of this book) that the second primary Mode of the Superinduction of Non-significant letters was accomplished by the Invention of Fictitious Words.  The principle is this: Write a Significant letter and then attach thereto an Idle, and so proceed with alternate letters. But since this principle is too simple, we must employ the disguise of quasi-discourse, wherin the continuous line of letters is divided into fictitious words. In this way, not only will words be formed consisting of letters, either Significant and Non-significant combined or Non-significant alone, but, the letters being thus grouped into words, variations, on the basis of the letter or of Transference of letters, may be introduced within the general method. Whence may be accepted this general rule: As many as are the Modes by which, in the case of Real Discourse, adjustment of method to material is affected, so many also, and especially is this the case if a word be formed for each letter of the secret, are the Modes by which, in the case of Fictitious Discourse, variations may be brought about. For truth is the rule and the measure of the false, so that there is no need to linger further here over fruitless searching for precepts, It should be understood, however, that the proper method of this Mode is not that of the other Mode, but is a special one, and, in order that this part of the subject may also receive full treatment, I shall now briefly present an explanation of this method. This Mode too is accomplished in three ways: (1) by what may be called a Simple method; (2) by an Ampler method; (3) by a more Artificial method. The Simple method is explained by Trithemius in his General Key in these words:

“The third General Mode is this: If you wish, for instance, to write “Miserere Omnipotens Deus &c.,” you will proceed as follows: You will number all the letters of your sentence, and as many as you have found them to be, into so many groups will you divide the same. If, for instance, you wish to divide them into two groups, you will have for each group of the complete sentence written above, which consists of forty-five letters, (1) twenty two letters, and one letter left over, which you will append to the others at the end; likewise, these letters you will write down, as indicated below, and the process you will be able to vary in many ways.“Amainsiem Raebrueos Ofmanni Uplostrennasi Duenursu”: this line is divided into two groups. In three groups, you will arrange it thus: “Romefinasine Anralevors Reavona Mitneri Moparo Nutamenonurs”; in four groups, thus: “Anomiavipolsoro Et Arreanenbars Utedsu Oefumaurnomui &c.” And so we proceed, dividing, up to eight or more groups. After that , we advance, as above, to the process of arranging letters that are in some way significant, is combination with other words introduced between.”

Thus much, Trithemius. The Ampler method takes place if to consignificant words are attached others that are Non-significant. As examples may serve all the conjurations of Bk.I. of Trithemius’s Steganographia. The Artificial method takes place when, the letters of the secret being reduced to the form of fictitious words, we arrange the words themselves in two, or even three or four series, and then taking first a word of the first series, place next it a word of the second series, and so proceed, using – if two series only have been made – alternate series.