Chapter II: Part 2

Madam all those that wish you well, are greeued to see your Ladys^p to bee allready soe much disturbed & weakened in your iudgment & in danger to loose the right use of your reason, if you doe not tymely endeauour to preuent it, by ceasing to goe on with such high designes, as you are vppon, which I declare to you, in the faith of a Priest to bee true: The cause of your present distemper, and of the aforesayd danger, is doubtlesse, that your thoughts and imagination are very much fixed on the title of Plantagenet, and of disposing yourselfe for that greate dignity by getting of greate sums of money from the king, to pay your deceased Lords debts, and enriching your selfe by the great Machine and the like. Now Madam how vnproper such undertakings are for your L. and how vnpossible for you to effect them, or any one of them, all your friends can tell you if they please to discover the trueth to you.

The ill effects that flow from hence are many: as the danger of looseing your health and iudgment by such violent application of your fancies in such high designes and ambitious desires; the probability of offending Alm: God and preiudising your owne soule thereby: the advantage you may thereby give to those who desire to make a prey of your fortune, and to rayse themselves by ruining of you: the spending greate sums of money in rich and sumptuous things w^{ch} are not suteable to the gravity of your Ladys^p and present condition of Widdow-hoode and mourning for your deceased Lord.

Although it bee certine, that it is a greate temptation which you are now vnder, and very dangerous and hurtfull both to your temporall and eternall happynesse; yet I confesse that the Devil, to make his suggestion the more preualent, doth make vse of some motives that seeme plausible, as of paying your Lords debts, of founding of monasterys, and the like, and that your Ladys^p hath the Kings favour to carry on your designes. But Madam it is certine that the King is offended with your comeing to the Court, and much more with your pretention to the title of Plantaginet; and it is dangerous to provoke him any farther: And for paying of Debts and founding of Monasteryes, wee all know that your L. can neuer bee in a better condition to doe it, than now you are; and as you are not bound to doe such things, so they are not expected from you; but wee all applaud your pious inclinations herein, of w^{ch} you will not loose the merit with Alm: God but our apprehensions are, least you should by your Ladys^{ps} inordinate designes bring your selfe into such a condition, as not to bee able to helpe your friends nor your selfe.

Bee pleased Madam now to give mee leave to suggest some waie how the approaching dangers may bee prevented, by changing the objects of your affections, and insteede of temporall, to seeke after eternall riches, and honors, which your age doth assure you are not far off; for w^{ch} you may dispose yourselfe, before death comes, by retiring into the countrey for some time, from the distractions of the Court, where you may haue the advice and directions of some learned Priest, in whose vertue you may wholey confide, and bee guided by him, for your internall quiet & security. Many places may soone be found out, that are fitt for that purpose: At Hammersmith Mrs. Bedingfield a very vertuous & discreete person, and of your Ladys^{ps} acquaintance, hath lately taken a faire house & garden, & hath but a small family. In some such place your Ho^r might likewise haue the aduice of some well experienced Doctor, for the health of your person, and the benefitt of good ayre and of quietnesse, would much conduce to your health: And soe by Alm. Gods blessing, you may recouer from that most pernicious distemper of bodey and mind, vnto w^{ch} every one seese you to bee very neere approching, and may live many yeares with your owne fortune & dignity in greate honour and happynesse & bee the author of many good workes of piety & Charity to the glory of God & eternall saluation of your owne soule. Thus dear Madam I have ventured to declare a great trueth to you, w^{ch} was before a secrett only to your selfe. I know that I run the hazerd of incurring your displeasure, if your Ladys^p should not reade the candor of my intentions, w^{ch} in my Letter I intend towards you: but my assurance of haveing herein performed a duty w^{ch} I owe to my God, and the hope I have that you will take it well as I intend it, have encouraged mee to doe it, and to subscribe myselfe

Honored Madam
Your humb. Ser. in C. J.
WALT. TRAVERS.

_The Lord Marquesse of Worcester's ejaculatory and extemporary
thanksgiving Prayer, when first with his corporal eyes, he did
see finished a perfect trial of his Water-commanding Engine,
delightful and useful to whomsoever hath in recommendation
either knowledge, profit, or pleasure._

Oh! infinitely omnipotent God! whose mercies are fathomlesse, and whose knowledge is immense, and inexhaustible; next to my creation and redemption I render thee most humble thanks from the very bottom of my heart and bowels, for thy vouchsafing me, (the meanest in understanding,) an insight in soe great a secret of nature, beneficent to all mankind, as this my water commanding engine. Suffer me not to be puffed upp, O Lord, by the knowing of it, and many more rare and unheard off, yea unparalleled inventions, tryals, and experiments.--But humble my haughty heart, by the true knowledge of myne own ignorant, weake, and unworthy nature: proane to all euill, O most mercifull Father my creator, most compassionatting Sonne my redeemer, and Holyest of Spiritts, the sanctifier, three diuine persons, and one God, grant me a further concurring grace with fortitude to take hould of thy goodnesse, to the end that whatever I doe, unanimously and courageously to serve my king and country, to disabuse, rectifie, and convert my vndeserved, yet wilfully incredulous enemyes, to reimburse thankfully my creditors, to reimmunerate my benefactors, to reinhearten my distressed family, and with complacence to gratifie my suffering and confiding friends, may, voyde of vanity or selfe ends, be only directed to thy honour and glory everlastingly. Amen.

A

CENTURY

OF THE

NAMES AND SCANTLINGS

OF SUCH

INVENTIONS,

As at present I can call to mind to have tried and perfected,
which (my former Notes being lost) I have, at the instance of a
powerful Friend, endeavoured now in the Year 1655, to set these
down in such a way, as may sufficiently instruct me to put any
of them in practice.

----_Artis et Naturæ proles._

TO

THE KING'S

MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.

SIR,

"Scire meum nihil est, nisi me scire hoc sciat alter," saith the poet, and I most justly in order to your Majesty, whose satisfaction is my happiness, and whom to serve is my only aim, placing therein my "summum bonum" in this world: be therefore pleased to cast your gracious eye over this summary collection, and then to pick and choose. I confess, I made it but for the superficial satisfaction of a friend's curiosity, according as it is set down; and if it might now serve to give aim to your Majesty how to make use of my poor endeavours, it would crown my thoughts, who am neither covetous nor ambitious, but of deserving your Majesty's favour, upon my own cost and charges, yet, according to the old English proverb, "It is a poor dog not worth whistling after." Let but your Majesty approve, and I will effectually perform to the height of my undertaking: vouchsafe but to command, and with my life and fortune I shall cheerfully obey, and maugre envy, ignorance and malice, ever appear

Your Majesty's
Passionately-devoted, or otherwise disinterested
Subject and Servant,
WORCESTER.

TO

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

THE

LORDS SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL;

AND TO

THE KNIGHTS, CITIZENS, AND BURGESSES

OF THE

HONOURABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS:

NOW ASSEMBLED IN PARLIAMENT.

MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN,

Be not startled if I address to all, and every of you, this Century of Summary Heads of Wonderful Things, even after the dedication of them to his most excellent Majesty, since it is with his most gracious and particular consent, as well as indeed no ways derogating from my duty to his sacred self, but rather in further order unto it, since your Lordships, who are his great Council, and you, Gentlemen, his whole kingdom's Representatives (most worthily welcome unto him) may fitly receive into your wise and serious considerations, what doth or may publicly concern both his Majesty and his tenderly-beloved people.

Pardon me, if I say, (my Lords and Gentlemen) that it is jointly your parts to digest to his hand, these ensuing particulars, fitting them to his palate, and ordering how to reduce them into practice, in a way useful and beneficial, both to his Majesty and his kingdom.

Neither do I esteem it less proper for me to present them to you in order to his Majesty's service, than it is to give into the hands of a faithful and provident steward, whatsoever dainties and provisions are intended for the master's diet; the knowing and faithful steward being best able to make use thereof to his master's contentment, and greatest profit, keeping for the morrow whatever should be overplus or needless for the present day, or at least to save something else in lieu thereof. In a word, (my Lords and Gentlemen,) I humbly conceive, this simile not improper, since you are his Majesty's provident stewards, into whose hands I commit myself, with all properties fit to obey you; that is to say, with a heart harbouring no ambition, but an endless aim to serve my King and Country: and if my endeavours prove effectual, (as I am confident they will,) his Majesty shall not only become rich, but his people likewise, as treasurers unto him; and his peerless Majesty, our King, shall become both beloved at home, and feared abroad; deeming the riches of a King to consist in the plenty enjoyed by his people.

And the way to render him to be feared abroad, is to content his people at home, who then with heart and hand are ready to assist him; and whatsoever God blesseth me with to contribute towards the increase of his revenues, in any considerable way, I desire it may be imployed to the use of his people; that is, for the taking off such taxes or burthens from them as they chiefly groan under, and by a temporary necessity only imposed on them; which being thus supplied, will certainly best content the King, and satisfy his people; which, I dare say, is the continual tend of all your indefatigable pains, and the perfect demonstrations of your zeal to his Majesty, and an evidence that the kingdom's trust is justly and deservedly reposed in you. And if ever Parliament acquitted themselves thereof, it is this of yours, composed of most deserving and qualified persons; qualified, I say, with your affection to your Prince, and with a tenderness to his people; with a bountiful heart towards him, yet a frugality in their behalfs.

Go on therefore chearfully (my Lords and Gentlemen) and not only our gracious King, but the King of Kings will reward you, the prayers of the people will attend you, and his Majesty will with thankful arms embrace you. And be pleased to make use of me and my endeavours to enrich them, not myself; such being my only request unto you, spare me not in what your wisdoms shall find me useful, who do esteem myself not only by the act of the Water-commanding Engine (which so chearfully you have past) sufficiently rewarded, but likewise with courage enabled to do ten times more for the future; and my debts being paid, and a competency to live according to my birth and quality settled, the rest shall I dedicate to the service of our King and Country by your disposals: and esteem me not the more, or rather any more, by what is past, but what's to come; professing really from my heart, that my intentions are to outgo the six or seven hundred thousand pounds already sacrificed, if countenanced and encouraged by you, ingenuously confessing, that the melancholy which hath lately seized upon me (the cause whereof none of you but may easily guess) hath, I dare say, retarded more advantages to the public service than modesty will permit me to utter: and now, revived by your promising favours, I shall infallibly be enabled thereunto in the experiments extant, and comprised under these heads, practicable with my directions by the unparalleled workman both for trust and skill, Caspar Kaltoff's hand, who hath been these five and thirty years as in a school under me employed, and still at my disposal, in a place by my great expences made fit for public service, yet lately like to be taken from me, and consequently from the service of King and kingdom, without the least regard of above ten thousand pounds expended by me, and through my zeal to the common good; my zeal, I say, a field large enough for you (my Lords and Gentlemen) to work upon.

The treasures buried under these heads, both for war, peace, and pleasure, being inexhaustible; I beseech you pardon me if I say so; it seems a vanity, but comprehends a truth; since no good spring but becomes the more plentiful by how much more it is drawn; and the spinner to weave his web is never stinted, but further inforced.

The more then that you shall be pleased to make use of my Inventions, the more inventive shall you ever find me, one invention begetting still another, and more and more improving my ability to serve my King and you; and as to my heartiness therein there needs no addition, nor to my readiness a spur. And therefore (my Lords and Gentlemen) be pleased to begin, and desist not from commanding me, till I flag in my obedience and endeavours to serve my King and Country:

For certainly you'l find me breathless first t'expire,
Before my hands grow weary, or my legs do tire.

Yet abstracting from any interest of my own, but as a fellow-subject and compatriot will I ever labour in the vineyard, most heartily and readily obeying the least summons from you, by putting faithfully in execution, what your judgments shall think fit to pitch upon amongst this Century of Experiments, perhaps dearly purchased by me, but now frankly and gratis offered to you. Since my heart (methinks) cannot be satisfied in serving my King and Country, if it should cost them any thing: as I confess when I had the honour to be near so obliging a master as his late Majesty of happy memory, who never refused me his ear to any reasonable motion: and as for unreasonable ones, or such as were not fitting for him to grant, I would rather to have died a thousand deaths, than ever to have made any one unto him.

Yet whatever I was so happy as to obtain for any deserving person, my pains, breath and interest imployed therein satisfied me not, unless I likewise satisfied the fees; but that was in my golden age.

And even now, though my ability and means are shortened, the world knows why my heart remains still the same; and be you pleased (my Lords and Gentlemen) to rest most assured, that the very complacency that I shall take in the executing your commands, shall be unto me a sufficient and an abundantly-satisfactory reward.

Vouchsafe therefore to dispose freely of me, and whatever lieth in my power to perform; first, in order to his Majesty's service; secondly, for the good and advantage of the Kingdom; thirdly, to all your satisfactions, for particular profit and pleasure to your individual selves, professing that in all and each of the three respects I will ever demean myself as it best becomes,

My Lords and Gentlemen,

Your most passionately bent fellow subject in his Majesty's
service, com-patriot for the public good and advantage, and a
most humble Servant to all and every of you,

WORCESTER.

CONTENTS.

No. Page.

1. Seals abundantly significant 1

2. Private and particular to each Owner 5

3. A one line Cypher _ib._

4. Reduced to a Point 7

5. Varied significantly to all the 24 Letters 8

6. A mute and perfect Discourse by Colours 9

7. To hold the same by Night _ib._

8. To level Cannons by Night 12

9. A Ship-destroying Engine _ib._

10. How to be fastened from aloof and under
Water 13

11. How to prevent both 14

12. An unsinkable Ship _ib._

13. False destroying Decks 15

14. Multiplied Strength in little Room 16

15. A Boat driving against Wind and Tide _ib._

16. A Sea-sailing Fort 17

17. A pleasant floating Garden 18

18. An Hour-glass Fountain 20

19. A Coach-saving Engine 21

20. A Balance Water-work 22

21. A Bucket Fountain 23

22. An ebbing and flowing River 24

23. An ebbing and flowing Castle Clock 25

24. A Strength-increasing Spring 26

25. A double drawing Engine for Weights 27

26. A to and fro Lever _ib._

27. A most easy level Draught 28

28. A portable Bridge _ib._

29. A moveable Fortification 29

30. A rising Bulwark 30

31. An approaching Blind 31

32. An universal Character 32

33. A Needle Alphabet 38

34. A knotted String Alphabet _ib._

35. A Fringe Alphabet 40

36. A Bracelet Alphabet _ib._

37. A pinked Glove Alphabet 40

38. A Sieve Alphabet 41

39. A Lanthorn Alphabet _ib._

40. An Alphabet by the Smell _ib._

41. Ditto Taste _ib._

42. Ditto Touch 42

43. A variation of all and each of these 43

44. A Key-Pistol _ib._

45. A most conceited Tinder-box 44

46. An artificial Bird 45

47. An Hour Water Ball _ib._

48. A screwed ascent of Stairs 46

49. A Tobacco-tongs engine 48

50. A Pocket-ladder 48

51. A Rule of Gradation 49

52. A mystical jangling of Bells _ib._

53. An hollowing of a Water Screw 51

54. A transparent Water Screw _ib._

55. A double Water Screw 52

56. An advantageous change of Centres 53

57. A constant Water-flowing and ebbing motion 55

58. An often discharging Pistol 57

59. An especial way for Carabines 58

60. A Flask Charger _ib._

61. A way for Musquets 59

62. A way for a Harquebus, a Crock _ib._

63. For Sakers and Minyons _ib._

64. For the biggest Cannon 60

65. For a whole side of Ship-musquets _ib._

66. For guarding several Avenues to a Town 61

67. For Musquetoons on Horseback 62

68. A Fire Water work _ib._

69. A triangle Key 64

70. A Rose Key 65

71. A square Key with a turning Screw _ib._

72. An Escutcheon for all Locks _ib._

73. A transmittible Gallery 67

74. A conceited Door 68

75. A Discourse woven on Tape or Ribbon _ib._

76. To write in the dark 69

77. A flying Man 69

78. A continually going Watch 76

79. A total locking of Cabinet Boxes 77

80. Light Pistol Barrels 78

81. A Comb conveyance for Letters _ib._

82. A Knife, Spoon, or Fork conveyance 79

83. A Rasping Mill _ib._

84. An Arithmetical Instrument _ib._

85. An untoothsome Pear 80

86. An imprisoning Chair 81

87. A Candle Mould 82

88. A Coining Engine 84

88. A Brazen Head 85

89. Primero Gloves 89

90. A Dicing Box _ib._

91. An artificial Ring-horse 90

92. A Gravel Engine 93

93. A Ship raising Engine 94

94. A pocket Engine to open any Door 95

95. A double Cross Bow _ib._

96. A way for Sea Banks 96

97. A perspective Instrument 98

98. A semi-omnipotent Engine 99

99. A most admirable way to raise Weights _ib._

100. A stupendous Water-work 100

THE

MARQUIS OF WORCESTER'S

CENTURY OF INVENTIONS,

EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED.

No. I.

Several sorts of seals, some showing by screws, others by gauges, fastening or unfastening all the marks at once: others, by additional points and imaginary places, proportionable to ordinary escutcheons and seals at arms, each way palpably and punctually setting down (yet private from all others, but the owner, and by his assent) the day of the month, the day of the week, the month of the year, the year of our Lord, the names of the witnesses, and the individual place where any thing was sealed, though in ten thousand several places, together with the very number of lines contained in a contract, whereby falsification may be discovered, and manifestly proved, being upon good grounds suspected.

Upon any of these seals a man may keep accounts of receipts and disbursements, from one farthing to an hundred millions, punctually showing each pound, shilling, penny, or farthing.

By these seals, likewise, any letter, though written but in English, may be read and understood in eight several languages; and in English itself, to clear contrary and different sense, unknown to any but the correspondent, and not to be read or understood by him neither, if opened before it arrive unto him; so that neither threats, nor hopes of reward, can make him reveal the secret, the letter having been intercepted, and first opened by the enemy.

NOTE.

The use of _sigili_ or "autograph seals" is very ancient, indeed
we find them mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah (chap. xxii. v.
10); these, however, were invariably engraved on the collets
or stones of rings, and it was not till a much later date that
hand stamps were applied to that purpose. In England, the first
sealed charter extant is that of Edward the Confessor, upon his
founding Westminster Abbey; and many of our English kings used
them, from an inability to affix any other kind of signature:
this indeed is candidly acknowledged by Caedwalla, a Saxon king,
who says, at the conclusion of one of his charters, "_propriâ
manu pro ignorantiâ literarum signum sanctæ crucis expressi et
subscripsi_."

The nearest approach to a _corresponding seal_ that occurs
prior to the sixteenth century, is that described in a decree
of Cardinal Otto, who was papal legate in 1237, by which the
bishops were to bear on their seals their title, office,
dignity, and even their proper names. About this period _mottos_
were likewise generally introduced, but none of those before
the publication of the noble author's work were at all adapted
for secret correspondence; or, in fact, had they any mode of
combining moveable characters in the matrix for the purpose
of varying the impression. The principle upon which those
described by the Marquis must have been formed is simply this:
a frame similar to those in which seals are generally mounted
having been first prepared, a number of moveable circles may
be made to slide within each other on one common centre. If
three are employed, they should be engraved with the numerals,
the alphabet, and, if intended for secret writing, the third
circle may be furnished with any arbitrary signs that may
suggest themselves. These, by means of a key, of which both the
corresponding parties must possess a duplicate, may be combined
to form the day of the week, month, year, &c.

It would be found very useful in preventing and detecting the
mistakes which so frequently occur in the delivery of letters,
if the seals in common use were provided with at least two of
these revolving circles, with the day of the month and hour
of the day engraved on their face, parallel to the stone. A
particular part of the arms or cipher being used as an index
hand, it would then show the precise hour the letter was sent,
without the trouble of dating, &c.

In engraved seals where coats of arms are used, it will be
obvious that the seal must be larger than those generally
in use, as the circles must be made to revolve round the
outer extremity of the stone, and their usefulness will be
considerably diminished. With regard to the possibility
of forming a key by which writing in any language may be
deciphered, we have the following curious anecdote, furnished
by the late learned and ingenious Mr. Astle, keeper of His
Majesty's Records: he states, on the authority of a noble Lord,
deceased, that the late Earl Granville, while Secretary of
State, told him, that when he came into office he had his doubts
respecting the certainty of deciphering. That he wrote down
two or three sentences in the Swedish language, and afterwards
put them into such arbitrary marks or characters, as his mind
suggested to him; that he sent the paper to Dr. Willes, who
returned it the next day, and informed his lordship, that the
characters he had sent to him formed certain words, which he
had written beneath the cipher, but that he did not understand
the language; and Lord Granville declared, that the words were
exactly those which he had first written, before he put them
into cipher.

No. II.

How ten thousand persons may use these seals to all and every of the purposes aforesaid, and yet keep their secrets from any but whom they please.

NOTE.

As the mode of deciphering inscriptions, dates, &c. formed
by these seals, depends on a key, the formation of which is
arbitrary, and resting entirely upon the fancy or ingenuity of
its composer; it follows, that the smallest variation from the
one originally intended for that purpose, will entirely destroy
the effect of the proposed combination.

No. III.

A cipher and character so contrived, that one line, without returns and circumflexes, stands for each and every one of the twenty-four letters; and as ready to be made for the one letter as the other.

NOTE.

Of this and the following invention, the noble author has left
to the curious in the stenographic art, his own definition; a
manuscript, in the Marquis's hand-writing, having been preserved
in the _Harleian Collection_, appended to an original copy of
the Century of Inventions, in which he explains the system
upon which these two articles are founded. The MS. alluded to
is thus entitled:--"An Explanation of the most exact and most
compendious way of Short-hand Writing; and an Example, given
by way of Questions and Resolves upon each significant Point,
proving how and why it stands for such and such a Letter, in
order, alphabetically placed in every page."--_Bibl. Harl._ No.
2428.

The above work is accompanied with engraved brass plates; and
his system, which is simple and easy of attainment, may be
thus described:--A sheet of paper must first be prepared, with
a given number of horizontal rows of small octagons, somewhat
resembling the chequers on a draft-board. Straight lines are
then to be drawn from the centre towards the sides of these
squares, in different positions, and of various lengths, for
each letter in the alphabet. Thus, A is a short horizontal
stroke, made to the right hand, and not touching the side; E,
A, and W, are represented by a similar stroke in the opposite
direction, but varying in their lengths. By a similar method the
author suggests, in the following article, that we may write
with a dot, or single point only, placed in a given situation
in the octagon; varying the position for each letter, as is
at present done in music, the paper being prepared with ruled
lines, or it may be simplified by the use of coloured inks for
the vowels and consonants.

No. IV.

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.

NOTE.

The _telegraph_, though not generally used in Europe till the
commencement of the French revolution, appears to have been
well known to the ancients. Polybius describes a method of
communication, which was invented by Cleoxenus, which answered
both by day and night. Kircher and Scott likewise allude to
its use; but the description given by the Marquis is evidently
superior to any that had preceded him; and, indeed, must have
nearly resembled that in use at the present period.

No. VII.

A way to do it by night as well as by day, though as dark as pitch is black.

NOTE.

The allusion here to a telegraphic communication is likewise
sufficiently evident; though it is obvious that, for night
signals, it will become necessary to substitute rockets or
reflecting lamps for the painted boards.

Among the signs for nightly information at a distance, those by
fire are extremely common, and have been used by the Chinese,
Persians, and other nations, in the remotest times. This species
of communication is affirmed by Diodorus Siculus to have been
practised by Medea in her conspiracy with Jason, which carries
us back three thousand and seventy years; and although there
must be some uncertainty on this question, Pliny, in his
"History," lib. vii. cap. 56, says, it originated with Sinon.
"Specularem significationem Trojano bello Sinon invenit." This
was the signal upon which Sinon agreed to unlock the wooden
horse in the siege of Troy, about 1184 years before Christ:

"----Flammas cum regia puppis
Extulerat."

_Virgil. Æn._ lib. ii. 256.

And, after the taking of Troy, Æschylus relates, that Agamemnon
immediately apprized his queen, Clytemnestra, of that event by
a similar method; which, we suppose, must have been done either
by men placed at certain distances with lighted torches, which
they held up in succession, or by a considerable number of fires
on the tops of hills, denoting the simple fact previously agreed
on between the parties. See Onosander's Strategicus, cap. 25,
where this practice is described.

The fire-signals of the Greeks and Romans are also slightly
mentioned by Quintus Curtius, Livy, Cæsar, Herodotus, Homer,
and Thucydides; likewise by Vegetius and Frontinus; but still
more in detail by Polybius and Æneas Tacticus; the latter of
whom was contemporary with Aristotle, and has left a valuable
fragment on the duties of a general, (translated into Latin by
Casaubon,) wherein are many curious remarks on the subject of
secret correspondence. The Greek signals were much improved by
Polybius, who, in his history, (lib. x. cap. 45. p. 296. tom.
iii. Lips. 1790. edit. Joh. Schweighaeuser,) attributes the
invention to Cleomenes and Democritus, or (more correctly) to
Cleoxenus and Democlitus, in words thus rendered: "Postrema
ratio, cujus auctores sunt Cleoxenus et Democlitus, sed quam
nos correximus, certa definitaque est, adeo ut quidquid exortum
fuerit negotii, id possis certo facere notum." Prior to that
period, the information communicated by torches, flags, smoke,
or otherwise, was very limited, and it was requisite to settle
beforehand what each signal should mean; whereas Polybius showed
how to correspond alphabetically, and to give or receive any
species of intelligence, without this previous concert. The
plans of Æneas Tacticus had never arrived at such perfection,
and were therefore of comparatively small use; though, without
doubt, he at least equalled any of his predecessors in the
facility of his telegraphic communications.

No. VIII.

A way how to level and shoot cannon by night as well as by day, and as directly, without a platform or measures taken by day, yet by a plain and infallible rule.

No. IX.

An engine, portable in one's pocket, which may be carried and fastened on the inside of the greatest ship, _tanquam aliud agens_, and, at any appointed minute, though a week after, either of day or night, it shall irrecoverably sink that ship.

NOTE.

To prepare this dangerous instrument, it is merely necessary to
connect a gun-lock with a common bomb shell, filled in the usual
manner, and a small clock attached; which will at any given
time discharge the lock, and cause the shell to explode: the
tremendous effects of which in the cabin or hold of a vessel may
easier be conceived than described.

No. X.

A way, from a mile off, to dive and fasten a like engine to any ship, so as it may punctually work the same effect, either for time or execution.

NOTE.

Mr. Fulton, of the United States, the inventor of the _Torpedo_,
recommends the use of a gun-harpoon for fixing this destructive
engine on the side of a ship; but this plan appears liable to
two objections: the resistance that would be offered by the
water, should the harpoon be fired from a considerable distance;
and the certainty of discovery from the report of the cannon,
on a near approach to the hull of the vessel. The methods
most eligible for this object appear to be, either to let the
machine float with the tide, and by striking against the side
of the vessel discharge a gun-lock; or else, by employing a
_diving-bell_, pass beneath the surface of the water. In proof
of the practicability of the latter plan, about the time of the
attack made by the English at Boulogne, Buonaparte caused a
small diving vessel to be made, which, at a preconcerted signal,
lowered its masts, yards, &c.; and by admitting a certain
quantity of water sunk it to the required depth; it was then
impelled forward by means of a circular paddle or wheel turned
within the vessel, and upon the air becoming foul or exhausted,
the vessel was raised to the surface by means of pumps or
dropping of ballast. It appears more than probable, that this
is the species of vessel to which the Marquis alludes. Hook, in
his _Philosophical Collections_, No. 2, describes an air-vessel
possessing similar properties with the above.

No. XI.

How to prevent and safeguard any ship from such an attempt by day or night.

NOTE.

A safe and easy method of preventing the dreadful consequences
attendant on the explosion of this tremendous machine, may be
found in the use of a strong net, resembling that used in the
salmon fishery; which must be kept at the required distance from
the vessel by floating buoys placed for that purpose. It will
also be necessary to fix a bell upon the upper extremity of
each buoy, which will, by its ringing on a calm night, discover
the approach of any hydrostatic vessel; and should the weather
be stormy, the attempt must end in the destruction of the
sub-marine voyagers.

No. XII.

A way to make a ship not possible to be sunk, though shot at an hundred times between wind and water by cannon, and should she lose a whole plank, yet, in half an hour's time, should be made as fit to sail as before.

NOTE.

Provided the hull of the vessel be composed of number of small
divisions, similar to the life preservers constructed by Mr.
Daniel, it will scarcely be possible to sink it, especially if a
large sheet, well prepared with oakum, be drawn under the vessel
in the event of a fracture occurring, as the pressure of the
water on the surface of the vessel will force the canvass into
the chasm, and allow of the necessary reparation. The latter
method has been adopted in the navy for several years.

No. XIII.

How to make such false decks, as in a moment should kill and take prisoners as many as should board the ship, without blowing the real decks up, or destroying them from being reducible; and, in a quarter of an hour's time, should recover their former shape, and to be made fit for any employment without discovering the secret.

NOTE.

At about six inches from the fixed deck, and supported by cross
beams, it will be necessary to raise an artificial one of thin
planks, under which must be previously placed a number of small
iron boxes, open at the top, and filled with powder, connected
with each other by a train. The instant this is fired, the
upper, or false deck, will blow up _en masse_, without affecting
in the slightest degree the permanent deck beneath.

No. XIV.

How to bring a force to weigh up an anchor, or to do any forcible exploit in the narrowest or lowest room in any ship, where few hands shall do the work of many; and many hands applicable to the same force, some standing, others sitting, and, by virtue of their several helps, a great force augmented in little room, as effectual as if there were sufficient space to go about with an axle-tree, and work far from the centre.

NOTE.

The application of an endless screw, or worm, appears the most
advantageous mode of increasing power in a small space; and it
possesses the additional advantage of remaining stationary at
any point without the assistance of the ratchet and click.

No. XV.

A way how to make a boat work itself against wind and tide, yea, both without the help of man or beast; yet so, that the wind or tide, though directly opposite, shall force the ship or boat against itself; and in no point of the compass, but it shall be as effectual as if the wind were in the poop, or the stream actually with the course it is to steer, according to which the oars shall row, and necessary motions work and move towards the desired port, or point of the compass.

NOTE.

A _Panemore_, or globular wind-mill, erected in the centre of
a ship, has been proposed for the turning of two wheels or
paddles, placed on the bows, which would thus impel the vessel
forward in any required direction. The panemore, which was
invented by M. Desquinemare, consists of a kind of globe placed
on the top of a mast, on which it always turns round with the
wind. In consequence of the ingenious adjustment of the curves
which it presents in all its points, the rotary motion is always
in the same direction, be that of the wind as it may; and their
utmost violence, instead of being detrimental to its action,
only augments its power. The means of the instrument increasing
in a cubical ratio when the wind doubles its velocity; and by
doubling the surface its power is increased eight-fold.

No. XVI.

How to make a sea-castle, or fortification, cannon-proof, capable of a thousand men, yet sailable at pleasure to defend a passage, or, in an hour's time, to divide itself into three ships, as fit and trimmed to sail as before; and even whilst it is a fort or castle, they shall be unanimously steered, and effectually be driven by an indifferent strong wind.

NOTE.

Scheffer, in his treatise entitled _De Militiâ Navali_,
describes a vessel of a somewhat similar construction: it
was composed of four floating tanks, or parts of vessels,
which could at pleasure be joined together by means of bolts.
Bomb-proof batteries of prodigious force were used by the
Spaniards in their attack on Gibraltar, in 1782. Their upper
decks were at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and
composed of successive layers of oak-planking and raw hides.
These offered an irresistible barrier to the shot and shells
commonly used, till General Elliot decided on the application
of red-hot balls, which, by burning a passage through the outer
layers, quickly communicated to that part of the hold used as a
depository for powder, &c., and the consequence was, the entire
destruction of this immense flotilla.

No. XVII.

How to make upon the Thames a floating garden of pleasure, with trees, flowers, banqueting-houses, and fountains, stews for all kind of fishes, a reserve for snow to keep wine in, delicate bathing places, and the like; with music made by mills; and all in the midst of the stream, where it is most rapid.

NOTE.

The most celebrated gardens of this description were those made
by the Mexicans on the great lake which surrounds the capital;
here they planted trees, and cultivated maize, pepper, and other
plants necessary for their support. In progress of time, as
these floating fields grew numerous from the industry of the
people, they formed among them gardens for flowers and other
odoriferous plants, which were employed in the worship of their
gods, and which served also for the recreation of the nobles.
Every day of the year, at sun-rise, innumerable vessels, laden
with various kinds of flowers and herbs, cultivated on the
water, arrived by the canal, at the great market-place of the
capital.

To form their floats, they first plait or twist willows, with
roots of marsh plants, and upon this foundation they place the
mud and dirt which they draw from the bed of the lake. When the
owner of a garden wishes to change his situation, to remove from
a disagreeable neighbour, or to come nearer his own family,
he gets into his little vessel and tows the plantation after
him.--Vide _Nov. His. de Mexico par le Abbé Francesco Saverio
Clavigero_.

The floating pleasure bath moored in the River Thames, near
Westminster Bridge, is supported by empty casks; and this plan,
if assisted by mooring-chains, may be applied to gardens of any
reasonable extent, even in the broadest and most rapid rivers.

No. XVIII.

An artificial fountain, to be turned like an hour-glass, by a child, in the twinkling of an eye, it yet holding great quantities of water, and of force sufficient to make snow, ice, and thunder; with the chirping and singing of birds, and showing of several shapes and effects, usual to fountains of pleasure.

NOTE.

That a fountain may be made upon the principle of an hour-glass,
and that when the upper division is exhausted, the lower may be
elevated by a crank and lever, the fluid passing through the
centre of its axis, we may easily conceive; but how a fountain
of water can produce snow, ice, thunder, and the singing of
birds, is a circumstance not easy to be comprehended.

No. XIX.

A little engine, within a coach, whereby a child may stop it, and secure all persons within it, and the coachman himself, though the horses be never so unruly, in full career; a child being sufficiently capable to unloose them, in what posture soever they should have put themselves, turning never so short; for a child can do it in the twinkling of an eye.

NOTE.

There are but few persons who will disallow the utility of an
invention, whose object is to prevent, as much as possible, the
frequent and terrible accidents which occur from the present
mode of attaching horses to carriages, and other vehicles; that
these might in a great measure be avoided, by the application of
the Marquis's invention, and a legislative enactment to secure
its adoption, there can be no doubt.

To accomplish this very desirable object, a bar, of equal length
with the axle-tree, to which is fixed the pole and traces; must
be furnished with three iron bolts made to fit a like number of
sockets in the axle-tree; and from which, the additional bar
may be readily raised, by the application of a common lever:
either by the pressure of the driver's foot, or by a string made
to communicate with the body of the vehicle. For a chaise the
apparatus will be no less simple, with the exception of a small
resting bar, or foot, which it will be necessary to discharge
by the same lever which sets at liberty the horse, and by this
means prevent the sudden jerk, that must otherwise occur in a
two wheeled carriage.

No. XX.

How to bring up water balance-wise, so that as little weight or force as will turn a balance, will be only needful, more than the weight of the water within the buckets, which counterpoise and empty themselves one into the other, the uppermost yielding its water (how great a quantity soever it holds) at the same time when the lowermost taketh it in, though it be an hundred fathom high.

NOTE.

An engine answering the above description may be composed of a
series of ladles or buckets, the handles of which being hollow
will admit a passage for the water by elevating the bucket end.
A number of these, sufficient for the required height, must be
fastened in a frame; each ladle being suspended by a fulcrum
so balanced that when filled with water, they may remain in
equilibrio. The whole of the buckets thus constructed may be
connected by rods passing from the top of the machine to the
lowest handle, and the continued series so placed, that the
handle of the one bucket will empty itself into the reservoir
of the succeeding one, so that by alternately raising and
depressing the rods the water is raised to the top of the
machine.

No. XXI.

How to raise water constantly with two buckets only, day and night, without any other force than its own motion, using not so much as any force, wheel, or sucker, nor more pullies than one, on which the cord or chain rolleth, with a bucket at each end. This, I confess, I have seen and learned of the great mathematician Clavius's _Studies at Rome_, he having made a present thereof unto a cardinal; and I desire not to own any other man's inventions; but if I set down any, to nominate likewise the inventor.

NOTE.

The construction of an hydraulic engine with powers nearly
similar to this, may be thus described: two buckets of unequal
size must be first suspended by a flexible chain turning on a
double roller or pulley; so that one bucket will be elevated to
the required height, while the other reaches the level of the
water to be raised; a small stream of water must then be made
to communicate with the largest bucket, which will speedily be
depressed and descend to the lower level, while the opposite
bucket will discharge its contents into a cistern or reservoir
at the top of the machine: the larger bucket being likewise
emptied by striking against a projecting beam placed there for
that purpose.

Mr. Sarjeant has described a very simple and powerful machine
for raising water, nearly similar in point of principle to the
above. An engraving of Mr. S.'s engine, together with an account
of its construction, is inserted in the Trans. of the Soc. of
Arts, vol. xix. p. 255.

No. XXII.

To make a river in a garden ebb and flow constantly, though twenty foot over, with a child's force, in some private room, or place out of sight, and a competent distance from it.

NOTE.

The very ingenious canal lock lately invented by Peter Bogaerts,
Esq., appears fully calculated for effecting this object. In
this lock, which from its simplicity is no less useful than
economical, a small portion of water is made to assist in
displacing several tons of that element, and there is no doubt
but a _child's force_ would raise double the quantity of water
described by the Marquis. In the model lately exhibited, a
weight of seven pounds was made to raise 10 _cwt._ of water more
than four feet in a few seconds.

No. XXIII.

To set a clock as within a castle, the water filling the trenches about it; which shall show, by ebbing and flowing, the hours, minutes, and seconds, and all the comprehensible motions of the heavens, and counterlibration of the earth, according to Copernicus.

NOTE.

A tide-mill was several years back exhibited in the Museum of
that very ingenious mechanic, Mr. G. J. Hawkins; and a similar
prime mover has been suggested for the purpose of winding
a clock for a bell signal station on the Northern coast of
England. An astronomical machine as described by the Marquis,
must be provided with two barrels, each possessing a maintaining
power sufficient for the correct performance of the whole. In
addition to the line that supports the weight, or maintaining
power, each barrel must be provided with a revolving pulley
resembling those used for old thirty-hour clocks; with chains
passing over their axis; and the chains being attached to large
floats of wood will be alternately raised or depressed by the
ebbing and flowing of the tide; and thus in succession wind up
the weights which form the maintaining power of the clock. The
clepsydræ, or hydraulic clock, was in general use among the
ancients, and a stream of water was frequently employed to give
motion to planetary machines.

No. XXIV.

How to increase the strength of a spring to such a degree as to shoot bombasses and bullets of an hundred pound weight a steeple height, and a quarter of a mile off and more, stone bow-wise, admirable for fire-works and astonishing of besieged cities, when, without warning given by noise, they find themselves so forcibly and dangerously surprised.

NOTE.

The strength of a compound spring formed of two metals may,
by the application of heat, be increased to any given power.
_Rationale._--Iron possessing an expansive power of 1/95, and
brass being only 1/60, the weaker metal will be bent by that
whose power of expansion is greater, and the impulse of the
spring increased in an equal ratio.

No. XXV.

How to make a weight, that cannot take up an hundred pound, and yet shall take up two hundred pounds, and at the self same distance from the centre; and so, proportionally, to millions of pounds.

NOTE.

This is indeed paradoxical, and so completely contrary to every
established principle or rule in science, that we may fairly set
it down among the number of those inventions which, by partaking
so highly of the marvellous, have contributed to bring the whole
_Century_ into disrepute.

No. XXVI.

To raise a weight so well and as forcibly with the drawing back of the lever, as with the thrusting it forwards; and by that means to lose no time in motion or strength. This I saw in the arsenal at Venice.

NOTE.

The mere application of a crank, such as is used for the
_foot-lathe_, acting upon a drum and fly-wheel, with a chain
attached to move a second lever or upright sliding bar, will
fully effect the object here described.

No. XXVII.

A way to remove to and fro huge weights, with a most inconsiderable strength, from place to place. For example: ten ton with ten pounds, and less; the said ten pounds not to fall lower than it makes the ten ton to advance or retreat upon a level.

NOTE.

A weight attached to an ordinary crane may be moved with the
utmost facility; and it is well known that the employment of
friction wheels furnishes a ready medium of conveyance for
masses of iron and stone of the greatest magnitude.

No. XXVIII.

A bridge, portable upon a cart, with six horses, which, in a few hours' time, may be placed over a river half a mile broad, whereon, with much expedition, may be transported, horse, foot, and cannon.

NOTE.

A portable bridge, or rather ferry boat, calculated for crossing
wide and deep rivers, was frequently employed in ancient
warfare, and is still used for the conveyance of horses and
passengers in many parts of Europe. The apparatus for this
purpose may readily be attached to the banks of the most
rapid river, as it merely consists in the employment of two
ropes or wires, tightened by means of a winch, on which slide
pullies connected with a large floating tank or waggon, that is
afterwards intended to be employed as a medium of conveyance.
The apparatus being thus prepared, a communication may readily
be opened by means of two cords between the opposite banks of
the river.

No. XXIX.