The art of stenographie teaching by plaine and certaine rules, to the capacitie of
the meanest, and for the vse of all professions, the way of compendious writing. Wherevnto
is annexed a very easie direction for stegan'ographie, or, secret writing.
This material was created by the Text Creation Partnership in partnership with ProQuest's
Early English Books Online, Gale Cengage's Eighteenth Century Collections Online,
and Readex's Evans Early American Imprints.
THE ART OF STENOGRAPHIE, Teaching by plaine and certaine Rules, to the capacitie of
the meanest, and for the vse of all professions, The way of compendious Writing.
Wherevnto is annexed a very easie direction for Steganógraphie, or, Secret Writing.
The Proeme concerning the profite and easinesse of the Art of Stenographie.
BEfore the preceptes of this Art be deliuered, it shall not be amisse for the better
encouragement of the Reader thervnto, to note briefly, how profitable it is for vse,
and how easie to be atteyned.
Concerning the profit, there are fiue seuerall respectes wherein it ministreth especiall
helpe and furtherance.
First, in short or compendious writing: by conteyning that in one line, which being
written with letters at large, would take vp foure lines or more: in which respect
it hath a profitable vse, for the writing of briefe Notes of remembrance, Interlineations,
[Page] marginall Notes, and such like.
Secondly, in speedie writing: For he that is well practized in this Art, may write
Verbatim, as fast as a man can treateably speake: In regard whereof, it is very necessarie,
for the noting of Sermons, Orations, Mootes, Reportes, Disputations, and the like.
Thirdly, in secret writing: For euen the very Characters and order, of their places
taught by this Booke, doe deliuer such a forme of writing, as is secret enough to
all that are not acquainted with this Art: But if any be desirous to set a further
locke on his Notes and Writinges, he may out of those few and easie directions taught
in the ende of this Booke for that purpose, be fully satisfied in the same.
Fourthly, this Booke discouereth a true and constant forme of Art, applyable not to
one Language alone, but generally to all; in so much that he which hath learned it
throughly, as it concernerh the English onely, may by the same skill, write also in
Latine, French, Italian, or any other Tongue that he hath knowledge of: And [Page] therefore this Booke may serue for a good ground and president to him that shall
attempt to set foorth the Stenographie of any other Language.
Fifthly, the ingenious Reader may hereby strengthen his memorie in the sure apprehension
of any speech or sentence, which he would lay vp in that Treasurie.
And touching the easinesse of this Art, as the preceptes are all apparantly short;
so the Characters deuised for the expressing of all wordes, are few in number: to
wit, but 28. in all.
The Rules also are certaine, and depending in consequence of reason the one vppon
the other: squared and fitted to the three lawes of Art, each principle being deliuered
but once generally, and in his proper place.
Also, by Notes vpon euery Chapter are explaned such wordes and Characters vsed in
the Rules or Examples, as might seeme to meaner capacities hard or doubtfull.
And the whole frame of this worke is so contriued, that the memorie shall not neede
to be charged with a tedious labouring [Page] of a multitude of Wordes and Characters by hart; but enured onely to exercise order.
Lastly, these thinges are herein performed in so plaine and direct a manner, as will
enable any of indifferent iudgement, vpon once reading ouer these few Rules with good
aduise, to vndertake foorthwith the forme of Writing by them prescribed, wherein he
shall quickly attaine great readinesse, if he but practise it in his ordinarie businesse,
as occasion serueth, and thereby keepe it without all danger of loosing it: But if
through many yeeres discontinuance, the methode hereof should be cleane forgotten,
yet two or three howers labour bestowed in perusing once more this short Booke, will
sufficiently awaken his remembrance, and put his hand againe in true motion to write
according to the preceptes of this Art.
STenographie (a) is the Art of compendious Writing.
It consisteth of two parts: the abreuiation of a word, and the abreuiation of a sentence.
(b)
A worde is abreuiated, when it is expressed by a short Character, (c) agreable vnto it.
A Character is a lineall (d) note of any thing, (e) as, the Characters a b c d e f, are lineall (f) notes (g) of letters, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. of number, ♄ ♃ ♂ of Planets.
The figure of a Character, is the forme whereby it is distinguished from all other:
as, the Figure of foure is 4. the Figure of Saturne is ♄.
The quantitie of a Character is measured by two straight Lines parallel (h) thwart (i) expressed or vnderstood. (k)
A Character is of quantitie, great, or small.
A great Character is Interlineall, or Transcendent. (l)
An Interlineall occupieth so much space as is the distance betweene the lines.
An Interlineall is either Contingent or Flat (m)
A Contingent equalleth the distance betweene the lines in height. Of which sort are
these among the Characters of Letters, (n) a c e i m n o r s u w z.
A flatte, equalleth the distaunce betweene the lines in the length: as, — which is
the note of Vnion. (o)
A Transcendent, is a great Character, which extendeth it selfe further then the distance
betweene the lines: And it passeth [Page] the bound of one line onely, or of both.
Of one line onely, either the vpper, or the lower line.
The vpper line: as, b d k l t.
The lower line: as, g p q y.
Of both: as
Notes vpon the first Chapter.
(a) Stenógraphie, signifieth a straightned or compendious Writing, by which name I call
this Art, because all the preceptes thereof are directed therevnto: although it hath
other profitable vses, as is before declared in the Proëme of this Booke.
(b) The Rules belonging to these two partes are seuerally deliuered in two Bookes. Those
which concerne the abreuiation of a Word in the former, those which concerne the abreuiation
of a Sentence in the later.
(c) Character signifieth a Marke, Note, Impression, Figure; written, engrauen, stampt,
or howsoeuer else made.
(d) All Characters are lineall, because they consist of lines continued: For euen the
smallest tittle made with the Penne, hath his circumference, and consisteth of lines.
(e) That is to say, of any word, letter, number, name, clause, sentence, or whatsoeuer
else.
(f) They are called Lineall notes of Letters, because [Page] there are some notes of Letters, which are not Lineall, described by signes, not
by draught of Pen: As, if a Towne strongly besieged be in great extremitie for want
of necessaries, and can not signifie the same to their friendes by any Messenger,
all passages being kept by the Enemie, they may easily expresse their wantes to their
friendes two myles off or more, euen in the darkest nyght (so that they also be acquainted
with the order) in this manner. He which is to giue knowledge concerning the estate
of the Towne, is to haue the matter whereof he is to giue intelligence written before
him in as few wordes as may be: And euery letter written before him, he shall expresse
in order by the lyfting vp of one, two, or three Torches lighted, in this wise. Let
the Alphabet be deuided into three partes, each part conteyning 7. Letters a peece:
of which the first 7. a b c d e f g, are to be expressed by the lyfting vp of one
Torch onely, once for A, twice for B, thrice for C, foure times for D, fiue times
for E, sixe times for F, seuen times for G. The second 7. which are, h i k l m n o,
are to be expressed by the lifting vp of two Torches; once for H, twice for I, thrice
for K, foure times for L, &c. The thirde 7. to wit, p q r s t v w, are to be expressed
by the lifting vp of three Torches; once for P, twice for Q, thrice for R, &c. And
by this meanes may any thing be signified in the night season, by lifting vp of Torches;
and in the day time, by holding vp of Hattes, or such like; or neere at hand, by the
Fingers. Concerning this Stratagem writeth WHITEHORNE in his Fireworks; and BAPTISTA
PORTA de furt. l [...]t. notis. Letters also may be signified by tolling Belles, by [Page] shooting of Gunnes: or neere at hand, by any Instrument of musique.
(g) They are called Notes of letters rather then Letters, because euery Letter is perfect
in it selfe by it proper sound, without respect of Character: For whereas Letters
are ordinarily knowne three wayes; by the name whereby they are called, by the Character
whereby they are written, and by the sounde whereby they are pronounced: Of these
three, the sound or pronunciation is most essentiall to the letter. Therfore said
PRISCIAN, Propter pronunciationem & figurae & nomina literarum facta sunt: And hence it is, that the sound of a letter continueth the same in diuers languages,
though it varie in name and Character; as the fourth Letter of the Alphabet is in
the Hebrew called Daleth, and written thus: In the Greeke called Delta, and written thus: In the Latin called Dee, & written thus d: diuers names, and diuers Characters, but one letter; because pronounced with one
sound.
(h) Parallell lines are those, which are euery whereof like distance one from another,
as these are.
[two parallel lines]
(i) Thwart, that is, lying crosse in respect of vs: For we are to write betweene these
lines, from the left hand towardes the right, according to the manner of writing
vsed among vs, and not directly downewarde from the toppe to the bottome of the leafe
(as the inhabitantes of CHINA are reported to doe. Pet. Math.) for these reasons. First, because it is easier for the Arme, which is lesse in motion
when we write sideward, then when we write downeward. Secondly, because it lesse offendeth
the eye, which [Page] with a glaunce readeth that which is written or printed crosse the leafe; but is
wearied by often moouing vp and downe, to write or read from the top to the bottome
of the leafe. Thirdly, for that writing sidewarde is more speedily performed, by
reason that more time is spent (though it be not marked) in moouing the arme to write
downeward, then sideward. Fourthly, by this meanes the Characters will be more seemely,
and proportionable one to another, being collaterally fitted and limited, in due
measure by the lines: Lastly, this order of writing sideward, is more familiar vnto
vs, then the other.
(k) That is, whether the lines be Mathematicall and imaginatiue onely, or naturall and
drawne with the penne.
(l) Interlineall, signifieth that which is contayned betweene the lines. Transcendent,
is that which passeth the boundes limitted.
(m) Contingent, heere signifieth that which toucheth: and this name is giuen to Characters
equalling the distance betweene the lines in height; because they touch the line onely
at head and foote: And in such sence also is the worde Contingent vsed in Geometrie.
(n) By this diuision of the Letters (which are heere set as examples to these Rules of
great Characters) it is manifest, that the chiefe grace of writing standeth in the
equall and euen proportionating of the interlineall Letters with the interlineall
part of each Transcendent letter. And therefore, the speciall thing which good Schoole-maisters
ayme at in teaching to write, is to make their Schollers know, which Letters are to
be written wholly betweene [Page] the lines; and of the Transcendent letters, which is the interlineall part, and how
to be fitted to the rest.
(o)—Is a Note placed betweene two wordes, signifying them to be vnited and knit into
one: For which cause, it is called the note of Vnion: as, faire-seeming beautie, hard-harted
enuie, selfe-tormenting care.
Of small Characters. Chap. 2.
A Small Character, occupieth lesse space then the distance betweene the lines, and
is placed at some part of a great Character.
A small Character is called, in respect of the place where it standeth, a Metaphthonge or an Aphthonge. (a)
A Metaphthonge standeth in the place of a Vowell.
The places of Vowels about Characters Contingent and Transcendent, are disposed thus.
A Disiunct is a small Character disioyned from a great: as,
Notes vpon the second Chapter.
(a) Metaphthonge, signifieth either with a Vowel or after a Vowell: in both which significations,
the worde doth fitly agree to small Characters standing in the place of Vowels, because
they do then consignifie a Vowell going before them. Aphthonge, signifieth Without
a Vowell: by which name small Characters are styled, that haue no Vowell comming
before them in that place wherin they stand.
(b) So that all small Characters standing in the place of the Vowels, a e i o u, are
called Metaphthonges: standing in the sixt place, they are called Aphthonges.
AND so much concernyng the generall accidents of Characters: (a) I will now descende into a more particular Narration of their vse in abreuiation
of wordes.
The Abreuiation of wordes by Characters, consisteth in two things: The Abreuiation
of the partes of a word, & the abreuiation of a whole word.
A Letter (c) is abreuiated by taking a part thereof for the whole. And the Letters so abreuiated,
are called Particles.(d)
Of Particles, some are vnchangeable, some changeable.
An vnchangeable Particle is, whose sound is alwayes alike.
And those are they, conteyned in the former Table: which consisteth of three columnes.
The first sheweth which are the vnchangable Particles. The second, the Letters (e) whereof they are part. The third, sheweth what is their sound: where it is to be
noted, that J the Consonant and g, being sounded as they are in these wordes (Iudge, gentle,) are to be expressed by the particle [...]K, C, and Q, being sounded as they are in these wordes (can, keepe, logique,) are to be expressed by [...](f) s, c, t, being sounded as they are in these Wordes (his, face, nation) are to be written by [...] Also, the Particle [...] is euer sounded as g, in these wordes (good, graunt,) [...] as t, in these wordes (tyme trieth trueth,) [...] as ch, in these wordes (choice, chaunge:) The sounde of all the rest is manifest by the Table.
Of these Particles written at large, (g) [...] is a Transcendent aboue the vpper line — ⌒ ͜ are Flattes: All the rest are Contingentes.
Notes vpon the third Chapter.
(a) Aswell illiterall as literall: For the two former Chapters concerne the common affections
of both sortes of Characters.
(b) Ram. Gram. Lat. lib. pri. cap. tertio.
(c) A Letter is heere considered, not as it is pronounced by the sounde, but as it is
written by his Character.
(d) Particle, signifieth a small part or portion of any thing: and in this Booke, that
word for distiction sake, is appropriate to letters abreuiated.
(e) Note that in this Table, ד and י are referred as partes to the Hebrew letters Daleth and Jod: [...] [...] [...] χ to the Greeke letters Beta, My, pi, chi: and all the res [...]o our vsuall letters. And they are thus referred, that they may be the better conteyned
in memorie.
(f) C In the English tongue, is noted to haue the sound of two letters K, and S. When
it is sounded as K, it is referred to K: When it is sounded as S, it is to be referred
to S, and therefore hath heere no proper Particle.
(g) That is, extended to the boundes of great Characters.
A Changeable Particle, is a smal Character whose sounde varieth. And of them there
are two: to wit, o, and ◆ (a)
o. Signifieth sometime H, sometime th. (b) It signifieth h, when it is affixed in the Aphthonge place of [...] [...] or [...] as [...] [...] [...] Otherwise it signifieth th: as, [...] [...]
◆ Called a Tittle, is vsed either single, or dubble.
When it is single, it noteth a Vowell: to wit, that Vowell in whose place it standeth.
So it signifieth a in the place of a, e in the place of e, i in the place of i, o
in the place of o, u in the place of u, as: in [...] it standeth for a, in [...] it standeth for e, in [...] it standeth for i, &c.
A Tittle dubbled, signifieth the plurall number, when they are placed in this order
(··) at the head of a Character, as: hypocrites. [...]
(a) O, May be referred to [...], as a part thereof. A tittle may indifferently be referred to any Vowell, as the
smallest part thereof.
(b) The reason of the Rule is this. Aspirable letters, that is, such as are capable of
H, to be ioyned with them immediately in the same Syllable, are either Vowels or Consonantes.
The Vowels are all aspirable, and haue their Aspiration alwayes going before them,
as: hand, heere, hill, hope, humble: sauing in these Interiections Ah, Oh: In which
two, the Aspiration following is neglected by a Rule Chap 6. Of the Consonantes 7.
onely are aspirable which are these, C, G, P, R, S, T, W: and these haue their Aspiration
following them, as. Chaffe, Ghoste, Phisicke, Rhewme. Short, Thinke, When. Of these
C aspirated, hath his proper Character X. Gh, and Rh, neglect their aspirations by
a Rule Chapt 6. Ph, is contracted into F: So that onely S, T, and, W, neede to haue
H thus expressed.
ANd thus much concerning the abreuiation of Letters: the abreuiation of a Syllable
followeth. (a)
A Syllable is abreuiated in reguarde either of the sounde whereby it is pronounced,
or of the Character wherewith it is written.
In reguarde of the sounde, either by omission or contraction of some part thereof.
A Syllable abreuiated by omission of some part thereof, hath that part omitted, either
neglected, or vnderstood.
The part of a Syllable neglected, is Vowell or Consonant.
A Vowell is neglected: First, when it serueth onely to lengthen the sounde of a Vowell
next before going: Immediarely, as: espie. Or, mediately, (b) as: Oates, more.
(a) A Syllable is heere handled as it is properly so called, namely as consisting of
more letters then one: for the Vowels pronounced alone, are improperly called Syllabels,
because the word Syllable signifieth a taking togither, to wit, of more letters into
one sound.
(b) That is, a Consonant comming betweene.
(c) Phthongos in Greeke, signifieth a Vowell. Diphthongos, two Vowels. Triphthongos,
three Vowels in one Syllable.
Of Consonantes neglected. Chap. 6.
A Consonant is neglected: first, when it commeth before an other Consonant of the
same sounde, (a) as: all, assure, ascend, acquit, follow, acknowledge.
Secondly, when it is added to another Consonant to thicken the sound thereof. Such
are these in these wordes, and the like.
Thirdly, when the sound therof is drowned, as in these, and such like.
C, Sclaunder, excell, victuall.
D, Rundlet, kindled, adiourne.
G, Strength, yonglinges.
L, Salmon.
N, Damne.
P, Vpbrayd, Cupboard.
T, Mortgage.
Th, Rythme.
Fourthly, Aspirations are neglected, (c) Viz. First, light Aspirations, which are H. W. Y. and that either when they affect a
Vowell in the middle of a word; as: Vehement, Abhorre, Bulwarke, Beyonde.
Or, when the letter which they affect, hath his sounde nothing chaunged by the Aspiration:
as; Ghost, Christopher, Rhetorique, Arthur, Thomas, Wreake, Bewray, [Page] Youth, You, Humble, Husher.
Secondly, a thicke Aspiration, either gh, when it followeth a Vowel in the same Syllable:
as; Though, Night, Burrough.
Or, H alone in these Interiections (d) Ah, Oh.
Notes vpon the 6. Chapter.
(a) So in the word (Ascende) S and C, are of the same sounde, though different letters: As on the other side, in
the word (Suggestion) gg, in the middle, are the same letter, though different in
sounde: and therefore these wordes are vsed in the precept Consonantes of the same sounde, not Consonantes of the same letter.
(b) When in ui, the sounde of u, is more heard then i. ui is a Diphthong, as in these
wordes; suite, fruite. But when the sound of i is chiefest, u is a Liquid, as in the
wordes; Build, guile.
(c) There are in the English tongue 4. Aspirations, H, W, Y, Gh: which yet are numbred
among the Consonantes, quia consonant, hoc est, cum vocalibus sonant: for euen W and Y, are in nature Aspirations, though abusiuely written in Diphthongs
for i and u.
(d) For in these wordes, H, hath the strength of a thicke Aspiration, as if they were
thus written, Agh, Ogh.
THe part of a Syllable omitted, yet vnderstoode, is a Vowell: to wit,
First, E before X in the beginning of a word, (a) as: xchange, xtreeme, for exchange, extreeme.
Secondly, all middle and finall Vowels. For these are vnderstood by the Metaphthonges
standing in their place, (b) as: in [...] the Metaphthonge [...] affixed to C in the place of I, sheweth the Vowell I to go before it: In [...] the disiunct Metaphthonge ( [...]) signifieth the Vowell O, in whose place it standeth.
Notes vpon the seauenth Chapter.
(a) E before X, omitted in the beginning of a word, may well be vnderstood, both because
no English word beginneth with X, as also for that E being remooued, X cannot so fully
be pronounced without the sounde of E short vnderheard before it: as in the former
examples, xchange, xtreeme, being pronounced, the sound of E short, is heard before
them.
(b) For Metaphthonges do alwayes consignifie the same Vowell to goe before them in the
place whereof they stand. Chapt. 10. and 11.
SO much concerning the abreuiation of a Syllable, by omitting some part thereof.
A Syllable is abreuiated by contraction, when the sound of two, or more Letters is
contracted into one: as in these wordes following, and the like. (a)
ao in Sabaoth is contracted into O.
ia in Triacle is contracted into E.
hi in Hierome is contracted into I, the consonant
cc in Accesse is contracted into X.
ct in Fiction is contracted into X.
ckes in Trickes is contracted into X.
ph in phantasie is contracted into F.
que in Antique is contracted into C, or Q.
Notes vpon the 8. Chapter.
(a) In this Art, not the Orthographie, but the sound of the word is respected. And for
such contraction of Letters by the sound, we haue the president of Antiquitie to
warrant it. First in the time of the Troian warre Palamedes added 4. Letters [Page] to the Greeke Alphabet [...] which are made of doubble soundes, viz. th, ph, ch: and ξ of ps, gs, and chs. And after him, Simonides taking the like libertie, added other 4. Characters of Letters contracted in like
maner, viz. z for fs and ds: [...] for ec: ψ for bs, ps, phs: and [...] for oo.
Suetonius also writeth, that Augustus Caesar added X and Z, to the number of Lattine letters: Z, for ss, which is worne out of
vse: and X for Cs, which is still in vse. So, for Alecsander (so written before Augustus time) we write Alexander: for Ecsamen, Examen.
Of the abreuiation of affixed Particles. Chap. 9.
THus much for the abreuiation of a Syllable, in reguarde of the sounde thereof: Now,
how a Syllable is abreuiated, in respect of his Character.
A Syllable is abreuiated in respect of the Character wherewith it is written, when
the small Particle may be conueniently vnderstood by some part thereof affixed to
the great, or to such a small Particle [Page] as is vnto it in nature of a great.
Affixed to a great, as, [...] consisting of [...] and [...]: [...] consisting of [...] and [...](a)
Affixed to such a small Particle, as is vnto it in nature of a great, (b) as, [...] consisting of [...] — and [...]
Notes vpon the .9. Chapter.
(a) This kind of abreuiation, we finde to be vsed both in Greeke and Latin, and other
languages: as, oe, ae, sl.
Heere for a plaine direction how euery small Particle is to be affixed to a great
in his due place, as any man diligently obseruing these Rules, may frame vnto himselfe
a Table, which in a short view may readily declare the same: So there is a very perfect
Table already drawne to that purpose, where vnto the Printer can direct him, that
is desirous thereof, for his ease and satisfaction.
(b) For a small Particle, as it is the subiect wherevnto an other small Particle is
affixed, hath the respect of a great Character, being compared vnto it: as in the
examples propounded. [...] is a great Particle, in respect of — affixed to it, and — is as a great Particle
in respect of [...] affixed to it,
A Word of one Syllable, beginneth either with a Vowell, or with a Consonant.
If it begin with a Vowel, the Consonant or Consonants following, are to be placed
in their order (e) by Aphthonge [...] affix. as: are, arme, armes.
If it be a Consonant, marke whether the Syllable doth ende in a Vowel or in a Consonant.
If it ende in a Vowel, the Vowel is to be expressed by a Tittle standing in the place
thereof. And if any Consonant or Consonants come betweene, they are to be expressed
in their order by Aphthonge Affix. as: doe, trew, through.
If it ende in a Consonant, the Consonant is to be expressed by his small particle
affixed in the place of the Vowell going before it: And if there be any more Consonantes
in the Syllable, they are to be placed in their order, (f) as: Bad, light, with, chaunge, brought.
Notes vpon the 10. Chapter.
(a) Homogeneall signifieth, of the same kinde or sort: Heterogeneall, of an other kinde
or sort.
(b) As when it is written onely by Particle, or [Page] by an ordinarie Letter, or by an Illiterall.
(c) Whether it be an ordinarie Letter, or a Particle: For the Characters of both these
sortes are literall.
(d) What are the needfull Letters of euery word, sufficiently appeareth by the abreuiation
of Syllables before touch [...]d in this Booke.
(e) That is, the Particle of euery Letter must be affixed in the Aphthonge place of the
Particle of that l [...]tter which goeth next before it. as in the w [...]rd Armes, r is affixed to a in the Aphthonge place thereof: m is affixed to r in Aphthonge
place of r: and s to m in the Aphthonge place [...]f m.
(f) That is, those which goe before the Vowel, are to be affixed orderly in the Aphthonge
place, and those which come after the Vowell orderly in the Metaphthonge place.
Of wordes of more Syllables. Chapt. 11.
WHen we write a worde of more Syllables, we must consider the improper partes thereof.
(a)
An improper part of a word of more Syllables, is either Primarie or Secundarie.
The Primarie part, conteyneth the letter or letters comming before the seconde [Page] Vowell▪ as; in Io, the primarie part is I: in Ida, Id: in Abroad, Abr: in Fauour, Fau.
The secundarie part contayneth the second Vowell with the Letter or Letters following,
if there be any: as; in Chw, the secundarie part is o: in Occidente, the secundarie part is idente: in Calumniation, umniation.
Heere note, that two Vowels comming togither, not in the beginning of the word, are
to be expressed with their Consonant or Consonants, if any follow, as if they were
but one Syllable; to wir, the Particle of the later affixed with his Consonant or
Consonants, if there be any, in the place of the former Vowell: as, Rhea, Chloë, Lewes. [...]
The primarie part of a Word is to be expressed as a Word of one syllable. (b)
The Secundarie part, consisteth either onely of a Vowell, or of more Letters.
If it consist of a Vowell only, that Vowell is to be expressed by a Tittle standing
in the place thereof: as; Arrowe, Armie, Duetie. [...]
If it consist of more letters, it may be written more wayes then one: (c) to wit, [Page] by some, or all of these foure wayes following.
First, by Metaphthonge, referred onely to the great Particle (d) affixed onely, as in these, Abridge, Accorde, Asia, Eoas. [...]
Affixed and disioyned: as, Obl [...]quie, Aeolia, Barren. [...]
Secondly, by Metaphthonge affixed to a small Particle: which small Particle respecteth
the great, either as an affix [...] as; Arthur, Daughter, Currente.
Or, as a Disiunct, as; Seperate, Glorious. [...]
Thirdly, by Disiunctes, whose Vowels come each after other according to the order
of the Alphabet, as; Lion, [...]Glorious, Superior, Clio, Paradice.
Fourthly, by collaterall (e) great Particles affixed or accompanied with disiunctes as if they were seuerall
Wordes, yet ioyned closer togither then seuerall Wordes: as; Lionesse, Perturbation, Anthropophagite. [...](f)
(a) These are called the Improper partes of a Word: as for the Proper partes of a Word,
they are Letter and Syllable. Chapt. 3.
(b) That is, according to the Rules deliuered in Chapter next before going.
(c) As the word Lionesse, which may be written 12. seuerall wayes by the Rules of this Booke, Viz. [...]
But in this, and all other Wordes which is the playnest and easiest way to write
them, may better be learned by practise then precept.
(d) The Disiunctes mentioned in the third Rule, are Metaphthonges, referred to the great
Particle: but not onely vnto it, for they are also referred to the Vowell of the Disiunct
next going before.
(e) Collaterall, that is placed side by side: as in our vsuall wryting one Letter is
placed by the side of another in due proportion.
(f) So that by the Rules of these two last Chapters, is declared how any Word whatsoeuer,
may be fully written. And though to place Disiunctes abdue great Characters in wordes
of many Syllables, might seeme to breede confusion; yet therein will appeare no trouble
at all: for, we write Hebrew wordes with small Characters, and Prickes aboue, beneath,
on the side, or within the Letters; which yet are not thought to bring confusion,
but great helpe to the Reader: But if any inconuenience should arise thereof, it may
easily be redressed by the fourth Rule of this Chapter.
(a) The first sort of Defectiues, includeth as well all Wordes, hauing a peculiar beginning
by themselues (such as are the former three, and many more, which practise will disc
uer) as also them, which want some Letters, betweene the first and the last: such
as are the other foure, and the like.
(b) These kindes of abridgement, are both of them often vsed by Notaries: as; Mnu [...]' Manuceperunt. Vis. Franc. pleg. Visus franci p [...]egij. ce in miā. esse in misericordia. Cur Sccij. Curia Scaccarij. firm̄r. firmiter.
heret. haberet. Abs{que} disparag. absque disparagatione. Such is also the abridgement of our Sauiours name vsed formerly by the Greekes:
For in steed of [...] they wrote ΙΗS ΧΡS wherein it is to be noted, that ΗΧΡ. are not Latine letters (as
some suppose) but the Greeke letters Eta, Chi, Rho. The mistaking whereof, caused that errour of writing IHS, for IESVS: XP, for CHRIST:
Xpofer, for Christopher: Xpiān, for Christian, and such like.
THe second sort of Defectiues, is of them which expresse the first or last syllable
of a word, by a single disiunct Aphthonge, placed either Regularly, or Irregularly.
Regularly, (a) And then they note the last syllable, either by the first letter thereof: As in
wordes of these terminations following.
And, as, Command.
By, as, Whereby.
Call, as, Tragicall.
Dome, as, Wisedome.
Els, as, Bowels.
Full, as, Sinfull.
Ger, as, Longer.
Iect, as, Obiect.
Lesle, as, Friendlesse
Man, as, Workman.
Nesse, as, Bouldnesse.
Olde, as, Harolde.
Parte, as, Depart.
Ringe, as, Alluringe.
So, as, Also.
To, as, Hitherto.
Vert, as, Peruerte.
Vse, as, misuse.
Ward, as, Froward.
The, as, Lethe.
It, as, Vnit.
If, as, Plaintiffe.
Or by the last Letter thereof, as in words of these terminations following.
Aphthongs placed Irregularlie, that is, vnder the great Particle of the letter following
at the left side thereof, note the first Syllable, (b) by the first Letter: As first, in words beginning with Re. as, Resigne. Secondly,
in wordes beginning with any of these Syllables following.
Em, as, Emperour.
Im, as, Impure.
En, as, Enioy.
In, as, Indicte.
Vn, as, Vnneath.
Il before L, as, Illumine.
Ir before R, as, Irreuerend
In which syllables the first letter being a Vowell is to be expressed by a tittle.
(c)
But in flat Characters, (d) the place for Aphthonges beginning the word is at the left side: and for Aphthonges
ending the word at the right side thereof, as,
[...] Require.
[...] Enriched.
Notes vpon the .13. Chapter.
(a) That is, in the Aphthonge place.
(b) This is an exception against the First Rule of [Page] the 11. Chapter, which requireth that the first letter of a word should be expressed
by a great Particle. Where note, that onely the Particle —and middot; are to be vsed for first Syllables, because they take vp no roome vnder the
great Character, as other Particles would, if they were so vsed.
(c) Which is an indefenite Character of a vowel.
(d) The reason of this exception, is because in flat [...]e Characters, the place of E is beneath at the left side, Chapt. 2. and the place
for Notes of Distinction, is beneath at the right side. Chapt. 3. of the second Booke.
Of the third sort of Defectiues. Chapt. 14.
THe thirde sort of Defectiues, is of them which expresse a word by the first Letter
onely. (a) To wit, either by a Particle, or an ordinarie Letter.
By a Particle, so are these Wordes expressed.
But.
Come.
Dis.
For.
God.
He.
Iesus.
Let.
Make.
Not.
Of.
Pro.
Quest.
Rich.
Sub.
That.
Rent.
Which
Xcepte.
Yet.
Christ.
A word noted by an ordinarie Letter, is noted either by a small Letter, or by a Capitall.
Words written by small Romaine letters, are these.
Againe.
because.
cause.
doctrine
euer.
father.
gospell.
hypocrite
interre.
kneele.
lente.
much.
neuer.
ouer.
pouertie.
queene.
reguard.
such.
traunce.
vengeance.
vnto.
would.
xtreeme
yeere.
Wordes written by small Secretarie letters, are these.
Among.
before.
can.
declare
earth.
friende.
great.
Hereti{que}
kinde.
Lord.
mercy.
name.
other
part.
quaint.
repent.
serue.
selfe.
therefore.
ve [...]se.
vpon.
vvicked.
xperience.
young.
Wordes written by Capitall letters, are written either by Romaine Capitals, or by
Secretarie.
By Romaine Capitalles, Solitarie, or Combined.
Solitarie: as, A. Apostle, D. Deuteronomie, H. Hebrewes, K. Kinges, L. Lamentations,
Marke, Numbers, Prouerbes, Reuelation. (b)
Romane Capitals combined, signifie two names or wordes in one: as, [...] Hermes Trismegistus. (c) [...] Councell of Constance. [...] Acte of Parliament.
Wordes written by Secretarie Capitals: as, E. Euangelist, P. Prophet. (d)
(a) The writing of the first letter for the whole worde, is a very auncient kind of abreuiation:
For before the time of Iustinian the Emperour, the Notaries and Registers of the Law were wont for more speed in
wryting, oft times to write onely the first letter for a worde: as, L. P. Latini Prisci. L. I. Lex Iulia D A.C De adulteriis coë [...]cendis. C E C Coloni eius Colmie. V. B A Viriboni arbitratu. Q.R.F.E.V. Quod recte
fictum esse videbitur. &c. Valer. Probus de Romanorum notis. These Abreuiations were called Sig [...]a, (quasi singl [...] per Syncopen pro S [...]ngula, vt veteres viglas pro vi [...]lia, dixisse feruntur. Instit. lib. 1.) And as they vsed them, it bred no little confusion, because they vsed the same
letter for many words: as; A for Aulus, age [...], aut, annus, aliu, aio, &c. And therefore many by craftinesse of witte, interpreted the letters contrary to
the meaning of the Law, thereby abusing the simple and ignoraunt: Which abuse, Iustinian willing to reforme, commaunded from thence forwarde vnder a penaltie, that none should
vse those Abreuiations. Such Abreuiatures also of a letter for a word haue been and
are vsed in monumentes, noting names and tittles, in computations and accomptes,
and such like affayres. So we reade that Ae [...] finding in a monument of Stone these Greeke letters [...] interpreted the Greeke wordes by their first letters in this signification: Goe forward, foure paces, digge, thou shalt finde a treasure of golde: Aesop did so, and found a Potte [Page] of Gold. So when Leo the tenth was created Pope, one set vp this Libel vpon the Pasquil, M. C C. C. C. L. D. Which numerall letters the Authour himselfe expoūded t [...]s: Multi Cardinales caeci creauerunt caecum Leonem Decimum: that is, Many blinde Cardinals created a blind Pope Leo the tenth Likewise in the inscription of the Collar which the Knights of the order
of the Salutation weare, these letters, F.E. R.T. stand for, Fortitudo eius Rhodum tenuit: His prowesse kept Rhodes: Meaning, the Prowesse of Amadeus the sixt, Earle of Sauoie, who defended Rhodes against the Turke, and in memorie thereof, instituted this order. Such kind of Abreuiations are some
time also vsed among vs: as; E R. Elizabetha Regina. C. S. Custos Sigilli. A. D. Anno Domini &c. And such are the defectiues contayned in this Chapter: wherein I haue referred no
more then one vsuall Word to one Character, for auoyding confusion.
(b) These wordes in this Chapter are so assigned to Particles and Letters, as I leaue
it indifferent to any to vse these wordes, or other in their steade: because with
Diuines some wordes are more vsuall, with Lawyers other wordes, with Physitians other,
with Poets other. &c. And therefore I haue heere, and in the Defectiues of the Chapter
following, onely giuen instance of my meaning in one or two examples, referring
it to their choyce, what wordes they shall thinke best to expresse by these defectiue
Notes, according to the seuerall subiect of their Studie.
(c) compounded of H. and T, the two first Letters of the name and firname of Hermes Trismegistus, a famous King of Egypt.
(d) Although I haue giuen example onely of the Romaine and Secretarie letters, as being
most vsuall: yet the Letters of other Handes also may profitably be vsed to signifie
wordes; as, [...] according, [...] Court, [...] Malefactor, [...] Sraunge, [...] ment.
Of the fourth sort of Defectiues. Chap. 15.
THe fourth sort of Defectiues, is of them which expresse onely two letters of the
Word by an Aphthonge particle affixed to a great, and it expresseth either the two
first Letters, or the first and the last.
Defectiues, expressing the first and last Letter, are to haue such Wordes referred
to them as either begin and ende with a [Page] Vowel: as also. Or if they begin and ende with a Consonant; the last Consonant is
such, as neuer followeth immediately the first in the beginning of an English word,
(d) as: Difference, Meruaile, Respect. [...]
Note, that many Words may fitly be expressed according to these former Rules (e) by Notes defectiue, in more respectes then one: as; Faythfulnesse, Ʋntowardnesse, Irreconciliable, Proiecte. [...]
Notes vpon the 15. Chapter.
(a) So the Romaines expressed many Wordes by two or three of their first Letters: as,
Tr, Pl, Tribunus Plehis. Ag. Ag [...]t Ac, Actio. Eq, Equiria. Gl. Gloria. Arm, Armilustrium. Car, carmentalia. Rob Robigalia.
&c. Which also is vsed in the Canon Law: as, Se. ap. Sedes Apostolica. Sa. ap con. Sacro approbante concilio. Pur cano. De purgatione
canonica. Likewise they sometime wrote a worde by the first and last letter thereof: as, Dt. for Duntaxat. Qm. Quemadmodum. ee. esse. as we vsually write Lr. for Letter, Dd. for Deliuered. and Mr. for Maister.
(b) That is, expressed according to the Rules before deliuered, the second Letter being
a Consonant affixed to the first, in the Aphthonge place thereof.
(c) That is, by affixing the second Letter, being a Vowell, to the first Letter in the
Aphthonge place thereof, contrary to the former Rules: whereby it is required that
the second Letter being a Vowell, should be vnderstood by a Metaphthonge Chap. 11.
(d) As in the examples giuen, no English word beginneth with ds, ml. rt: And heere note,
that in other Languages, many wordes begin with such Letters, as no word in the Engl [...]sh tongue beginneth withall: as; bdella, ctesis, pneuma, Mneme, Sphinx, Sbesis, Tlao, tmolus, in the Greeke: Lluellyn in the British Vlishing &c. Notwithstanding, seeing no English word beginneth with the same Letters, euen the [...]e may passe for Defectiue notes with the rest: as; [...] beside [...] mention.
Heere further marke, that all the Defectiue notes, intreated of in these two last
Chapters the xiiij and the xv. may be very well reduced into a Table: (the manner
how, is apparant by the Rules.) vnto which the Reader may referre what wordes he thinketh
best; yet with this regard, that they be wordes vsuall vnto himselfe: or such as being
fully written, would be vnhandsome. Which when he hath done, he shall not need to
get the wordes of the Table by hare, but by remembring vnto what kinde of defectiues
the word is referred; the Rule it selfe sheweth how the word is to be written. As
if I remember that the word Meruaile is placed among the Defectiues, written by the first and last letter, I know by the
Rule, that it must be expressed by the Aphthonge particle of the last letter affixed
to the first.
HItherto concerning literal Characterst it followeth to speake of the Illiterals.
An Illiterall, is a Character hauing the same signification in all Languages. (a)
Of which sort are, First Characters Arithmeticall, (b) 1. 2. 3. 4 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 0. By which tenne Characters, varied by place and position,
(c) all numbers whole and broken, are to be expressed, according to the rules of Arithmetique.
Secondly, Characters Astronomicall: as,
1. of the Planets, (d) ♄ Saturne, ♃ Iupiter, ♂ Mars, ☉ Sunne, ♀ Venus, ☿ Mercurie, ☽ Moone.
2. Of the twelue Signes in the Zodiacke, (e) ♈ Ramme, ♉ Bull, ♊ Twinne, ♋ Crabbe, ♌ Lion, ♍ Virgin, ♎ Ballance, ♏ Scorpion, ♐
Archer, ♑ Goate, ♒ Waterman, ♓ Fishes.
Thirdly, Characters vsed in Bookes of the Ciuil Law § Paragraph, ff Digectes (f)
(a) As the Character ☉ signifieth in English the Sunne, in Latine Sol, in Greeke Helios, in Hebrew Schemesh, in French Soleil. &c.
(b) The auncient Hebrewes and Greekes, as also the Pythagoreans in their diuinations
by Onomantie, vsed all the letters of the Alphabet as Numerals. The Romaines ordinarily
vsed these seauen to expresse numbers by, C. D. I. L. M. V. X, and sometime ∽ for
200. S for 1000. [...] for 100000. {roman 1000000} for 1000000. &c. Ʋal Prob. But the tenne Figures of Arithmetique, inuented (as is supposed) by the Arabians, are by the agreement almost of all Nations, reputed to be the most fitte for expressing
all manner of Numbers. Joac. Camer. de Logistica. The Characters vsed in Cossicke numbers, I omit; because their vse is not so common
as the rest.
(c) Varied by place, as in whole Numbers; and those which are Quasi Integra: Ʋrstitius. Varied by position, as in Fractions.
(d) ♄ Is the Character of Saturne, either because by the crookednes thereof it resembleth aged Saturne bowed with yeeres (Saturnus enim dicitur, quod saturetur annis. Cic. de Nat. deor. lib. 2.) Or els because it is like a Sith, which Saturne is fayned to carry in his hand, in signification that Time cutteth off the course
of all mens liues: for Saturne is called in the Greeke [...]quasi [...] which signifieth Time. ♃ is the Character of Iupiter, for that it representeth a Scepter, such as Iupiter is supposed to [Page] beare. ♂ is the Character of Mars, because it representeth a Clubbe and an Arrow; weapons vsed in Warre: for Mars among the Heathen was counted Patron of Warre. ☉ is the Character of the Sunne, representing
the roundnesse of the body, and the brightnesse of the beames of the Sunne. ♀ is the
Character of Ʋenus, hauing the forme of a looking Glasse, which Ʋenus holdeth in her hand. ☿ is the Character of Mercurie, carrying the similitude of Mercuries rodde, whereabout are two Serpents twisted. ☽ is the Character of the Moone, resembling
the light part of the Moone in her prime. And by these considerations, may the Characters
of the Planets be easily remembred.
(e) ♈ Is the Character of the Ramme, because in figure it resembleth a Rammes hornes. ♉ of the Bull, because it hath a resemblance of a Buls head. ♊ Of the Tvvinne, for the mutuall imbracements of them both. ♋ Of the Crabbe, because in figure it representeth the cleyes of a Crabbe: or (as Cornelius Agrippa sayth, lib. 2. de Occult. Philos. Cap. 52▪) because it turneth both wayes, forward and backward, in signification of the
Sunnes progresse and regresse too and from this Signe. ♌ Of the Lion, for the length and wauing of his tayle. ♍ Of the Virgin, for the stalke and eare of Corne, which she is fayned to hold in her hand. ♎ Of the
Ballance, because it beareth the figure of the crosse-beame of the Ballance. ♏ Of the Scorpion, for the wreathinges of his tayle. ♐ Of the Archer, because it hath the likenes of an Arrow. ♑ Of the Goate, for the turninges of his tayle. ♒ Of the VVaterman, for the similitude of running Water. ♓ Of the [Page]Fishes, because it figureth two Fishes linkt togither: And by these considerations may the
Characters of the Signes be kept in memorie.
There are besides these, innumerable Characters of Astronomie; as, the Characters
of the Aspectes, the Characters of the 4. Triplicities, the Characters of 120. seuerall
Coniunctions of the Planets, the Characters of diuers Constellations, the Characters
the Olympicall letters, and Olympicall Spirites, (as they are tearmed) which I haue
thought good not to trouble this Booke withall, there being no ordinarie or common
vse of them.
(f) § Signifieth a Paragraph; that is, (as Martianus Cossias defineth it) Quicquid sub vndsententia clauditur. Whatsoeuer is included in one sentence.
ff. Signifieth the Booke of Digestes; because the Graecians noted the volume of the
Law called Pandectae, by the Greeke letter Pi, with a Circumflex accent ouer it thus π̂ which in continuance of time▪ easily degenerated
into the Character ff. By which Note, they signifie the Booke of Digestes; being a
chiefe part of the Pandecte. Alciatus. All other Notes and Breuiatures, vsed in the Ciuill and Canon Law I omit, as being
vnknowne to the most sort of people. As likewise for the same reason, I haue pretermitted
the Characters vsed by the Physitians in their prescriptes: the Characters of Geometrie,
Musicke, Magicke. Alchymie; they being such as are familiar to none, but the Children
of those Artes.
ANd so much concerning Homogeneall notes of Wordes: it resteth to speake of Heterogenealles.
An Heterogeneall, is a Note of a word expressed in a mixt kind of writing: as,
1. Particles ioyned with
Letters, as: Ouercome, Euery. [...]
Illiterals, as: Money, Fishmongor. ☽ ♓ ☽
2. Letters ioyned with
Particles, as: forefather, reuerse [...]
Illite. as: lion-kind, belfather. (a) [...]
3. Illiterals ioyned with
Particles, as: Reason, Camphire. [...]
Letters: fatherhood, friendship. [...]
Vnto these may be added as Heterogeneals, (b) such words as are written in part or in whole, by the Character or Characters of
an other word or Syllable: Of which kind of words, this is the Rule. viz.
All Notes of a word, or part of a word, sauing Defectiues beginning with a Vowell
and regularly affixed, (c) may be vsed in composition, (d) to signifie a word or part of a word, harder noted (e) of like or neere sound: as, followeth.
(a) And of this sort are those vsuall Abreuiations of the names of Moneths, 7ber, 8ber,
9ber: for, September, October, Nouember.
(b) So called, because these are also of an other kind, different from the former.
(c) For Defectiues beginning with a Vowell, and regularly affixed, when they are vsed
in composition, do not signifie their proper defectiue word, but that syllable onely
which they note: as, [...] Commaundement, where the middle Particle signifieth An, the syllable which it noteth; and not Ansvver, the defectiue word, which without composition it should signifie.
(d) That is, ioyned togither collaterally with some other note or notes, for the expressing
of a longer word.
(e) Harder noted, that is, whose proper Note or Character is harder or more troublesome
to be made: as, the proper Character of thereof, being [...] is harder to be made then theirof, a word of sound not vnlike to it.
HItherto touching the first part of Stenographie, consisting in the abreuiation of a Word: I come now to the second; which concerneth
the abreuiation of a Sentence.
The Abreuiation of a Sentence consisteth in two thinges: the abreuiation of part
of a Sentence, and the abreuiation of a whole Sentence.
The partes of a Sentence, are Worde, and Clause. (a)
A word in a Sentence (b) is abreuiated, either by Omission of some part thereof, or Contraction of the whole.
All the Examples of the first Chapter are thus written. (f)
1 [...]
2 [...]
3 [...]
4 [...]
5 [...]
7 [...]
7 [...]
Notes vpon the first Chapter.
(a) A Word is part of a Clause, and therefore of a Sentence. For, Pars partis est pars totius. Euclid. So seeing a Particle is part of a Letter; a Letter part [Page] of a Syllable, a Syllable part of a Word, a Word part of a Clause, a Clause part
of a Sentence; therefore it followeth, that a Particle is part of a Sentence written.
(b) Although the abreuiation of a Word be intreated of both in the first part of Stenographie,
and in the second, yet the Rules of Methode are not violated thereby; because in the
first part, a word is considered in it selfe alone, without relation to other wordes
ioyned with it: But in the seconde parr, a word is considered, as it respecteth other
wordes, wherwith it is ioyned in the same sentence.
(c) Eor H.W. and Y. haue the nature of Aspirations.
(d) Personall terminations, as: est, es, eth, neede not to be added, seeing the Person is alwayes expressed with the Verbe, in
the English tongue.
(e) The Letter N. is often added to wordes ending in a Vowell, before a word beginning
with a Vowell: as, An honour, not, A honour. Thine owne; not, Thy owne: and is then
to be omitted. Syllabicall adiections vsed in the Latine tongue, are by this Rule
to be omitted: as in, Adesdum, Numnam (dum & nam.) So in the Greeke, Coniunctions called Parapleromaticall, [...]. &c.
(f) The first line conteyneth the examples of the first Rule: the second, the examples
of the second: the third, the example of the third Rule. &c.
Of Wordes expressed by Metaphthonge Disiunctes. Chapt. 2.
A Word is abreuiated by contractiō, whē it is expressed either by a disiunct, or
by an easier noted Word of like sound.
By a Disiunct, to wit; Metaphthonge, or Aphthonge.
Of the Abreuiation by Metaphthonge, all Wordes are capable, beginning with a Vowell,
or H, and not exceeding two Syllables: as, (a)
The more you may be bolde with your friend, the lesse you ought.
He that asketh ought impossible, denieth his owne request.
Flatterie maketh each man a lyer to him selfe.
Good thinges neuer appeare in their full beautie, till they turne their backes, and are departing.
The spirit of God giueth vtterance.
Griefe doth then decrease, when it is able[Page] to increase no more.
Forgetfulnes is the best remedie of things past hope.
Nothing is to be accounted profitable, which is not honest.
Heere note, that if more wordes begining with a vowel, or H, do come after one another,
according to the order of the Alphabet, in respect of their Vowels, they may all
of them be referred as Disiunctes, to the same great Character: as, (b)
Wo to them that are at ease in Sion.
He is an yll Husband of his honour, that entreth into any action, the falling wherein may disgrace him more, then the
carying of it through, can honour him.
Notes vpon the 2. Chapter.
(a) The examples of this Chapter, and the two next, are diligently to be marked; because
each of them illustrateth their Rule by a seuerall kinde of Disiunct: where note,
that the wordes printed in smaller Letters, are those of which the Rule is giuen,
and are to be expressed by Disiunctes.
Of wordes expressed by Aphthonge disiunct. Chap. 3.
OF the abreuiation by Aphthonge Disiunct: those words are capable which conteine one
or more of those Syllables, which beginne or ende wordes of the seconde sort of Defectiues,
as in these Examples:
1 Trueth by much wrangling is scattered to nothing. 2 One vnthankful man makes many fare the worse. 3 Euery fault ariseth in accompt greater or lesse, as the party is in degree, higher or lower that cōmitteth it. 4 In the kingdome of God,
is the fullnesse of al ioy. 5 The weaker faction is firmer in Coniunction. 6 Beastes that are weake in the course, are nimble in the turne. 7 The Parentes indulgence, causeth the childes vntowardnesse. 8 The more excellent a thing is in his owne nature, the more vile [...]becommeth, being abused.
Note that if one of the regular Aphthonge wordes (a) do begin a line, it is to [Page] be noted, as if it belonged as finall Syllable to an other word before going: as,
The Minde must beget godly wordes, and the Lippes bring them foorth. To receaue a benefite, is to sell libertie.
(a) That is, Wordes expressed by regular Aphthonges. 1. Booke. Chapt. 13.
Of Wordes of like sound. Chapt. 4.
A Word is abreuiated, when it is expressed by an easier noted Word of like sound:
as in these examples.
An Enemie that hurtes me not, is as good as a Friend that doth me no good.
A Spendthrift shall in the ende be a Seruant, a Thiefe, or a Begger.
That is kept with great perill, which manie like.
Euerie argument against which nothing is sayd, is easily wonne.
Neezing purgeth the Brayne, and coughing the Lunges.
They know not how to speake, that know [Page] not when to hold their peace.
There is no time good to one, which is not bad for an other.
Of Clausiue Notes. Chapt. 5.
NExt the abreuiation of a Word, commeth to be handled the abreuiation of [...] [...]lause.
A Clause is a part of a Sentence pronounced togi [...]her without pause, and distinguished from [...]h [...] rest by some clausiue Note.
Clausiue notes vsed in this Art (a) are Notes either of distinction, or of reference.
Distinctiue notes are foure: to wit,
, Comma.
: Colon.
. Period.
? Interrogatiue.
A Distinctiue Note when neede requireth, (b) is to be placed vnder the last word of the clause, and at the right side thereof,
as: Archelaus the Philosopher being demaunded, Who was most in trouble? Answered; He that most
desireth to be at rest.
A note of Reference, is that which reduceth [Page] a sentence or part thereof omitted or misplaced, into his proper place: And of these
there are two sortes; the one single, the other dubble.
The Single note of Reference is thus marked ( [...]) and it is called commonly, The note of Interlineation, whose vse is to direct vs
to that which is written aboue (e) the line, or in the margine.
Aboue the line, as:
That woman which would rather gouerne a foolish Husband, then obay one that is wise
and discreete, doth as if she desired rather to lead ⁁⁁ a blind man in the vvay she knovves not, then to follow one that is skilfull in the way.
In the Margine, as:
Some in their Discourse, desire rather cōmendation of wit, in being able to holde
all arguments, then of iudgement in discerning what is true.As if it were a prayse to knowe what might be said, and not what should be thought. Some haue certaine Common-places and Theames, wherein they are good, and want varietie:
which kind of pouertie is for the most part tedious, & now and then rediculous. F. Bacon in his Essayes.
A double Note of reference is thus marked [ ], whereof the first is to be made at
the beginning of a Clause, Sentence, or Speech; before which being alreadie written,
(f) some other sentence or speech should be placed: The last, is to be made at the ende
thereof. And this double note signifieth all that Clause, Sentence, or Speech, that
is included betweene them, to be read after the Sentence or speech next following,
in that place where the sayd two Notes are placed togither, as:
When the Citizens of Papia in Italie were at dissention, by reason of the faction betweene the Guelphes and the Gihelines: The Gibelines procured a Fauoure [...] of theirs, called Facinus Canis, to come and assist them with a power of men, [whereof when the Gibelines did complaine vnto him, saying: that their goodes too were spoyled against agreement:
He answered, that themselues were Gibelines, and should be safe; but their goodes were Guelphes, and must pay for it,] vpon agreement and couenant, that he should haue the goodes
of the Guelphes for his pay. But he being once come into the Citie with his men of [Page] Warre, spared neither of them; his Souldiers must be serued. [] The Gibelines of Papia could not foresee this; our Catholickes by them may. Let them leaue their brainsicke
desires & diuelish purposes, of bringing a Facinus Canis into their Countrey; least by experience they feele (which God forbid) that though
themselues be Catholickes, their Goodes may be Heretiques; perhaps some hereticall
bloud in their bodyes also, by contagion of ours. D. Reignolds.
Notes vpon the 5. Chapter.
(a) There are many Clausiue Notes besides which this Art respecteth not; as, ! the Note
of Admiration. () Parenthesis. * An Asteriske, whereby Plato was wont to note certaine sentences as vnperfect. ℈ An Antigraph, wherby in auncient
time, they noted a diuers sence in translation. ← A Dart, whereby they noted lyes,
superfluous sentences, and wordes foysted into the Scripture. [...] A Dart with an Asteriske; which Note Aristarchus set vpon those Verses of Homer, that were not placed in their right order. &c.
(b) For these Distinctiue notes in this Art, are very sparingly to be vsed, Except either
the sence without them would be ambiguous, as in this example:
In which example, if the Poyntes were made only at the ende of each line, the sence
were much altered.
Or else, that the speech consisteth of very short sentences; as in these two Latine
verses, describing the Simonie of some Clergie men.
Intus quis? tu quis? ego sum. quid quaeris? vt intrem.
Fers aliquid? non, sta foras. en fero. quid? satis. Intra.
(d) The vse of the Notes of Distinction is so commonly knowne, that it needeth not heere
to declare it, but to note them onely.
(e) Aboue the line, rather then betweene the lines, because the clause referred, is not
alwayes betweene the lines, but sometime placed aboue the highest line: as,
A wise demaunder makes a man to consider ⁁many thinges and to know many other, which without hauing beene demaunded, he should neuer haue
knowne. Machiauell.
(f) So that the vse of the dubble Clausiue note is this: If we haue written a Sentence,
before which vpon better consideration an other Sentence should be written; and that
there is not space enough to interline it, or to write it in the Margine: Heere if
we should blot out the former Sentence, it would require some time to write it againe:
but by these Clausiue notes being included, it may stand still, and be read in his
due place.
A Clause is abreuiated either by Omission, or Contraction.
By Omission, when some part thereof is left out. And this part of the clause is either
neglected, or vnderstood.
The part of a Clause neglected, are Wordes added without waight of matter, as: Ʋocémque his auribus hausi. Aeneid. 4. And I heard it with these eares. (a)
The part of a Clause omitted vnderstood, is vnderstood either by the order of writing,
or by some note added beneath the lower line.
By the order of Writing, either in Quotations, or common phrases.
The order in Quotations is diuers, according to the Authour, whose authoritie is
cited, (b) as:
1. Cor. 10.31. that is: The first Epistle of Paule to the Corinthians, the tenth Chapter, [Page] and one and thirtieth verse.
Common Phrases, (c) that is to say, such as we haue often occasion to vse, are to be expressed by the
first letters of 2. 3. or 4. of the first wordes ioyned close togither: as. tco; that is, the coherence which these wordes haue with the former is after this maner.
nlv. Now let vs make vse vnto our selues of that which hath been deliuered. And such like
Phrases infinite.
The part of a Clause omitted, vnderstood by some note added beneath the lower line,
is one or more Wordes repeated in the same sentence.
If one Word onely be Immediately (d) repeated, it is vnderstood by this note (l) added to the worde repeated in the place of Distinction. Single, if it be repeated
but once: Double, if it be repeated twice.
Repeated but once, as: He that may do what he will, will do more then he may.
Repeated twice, as: Ezech. 21.27. Ouerthrowne, ouerthrowne, ouerthrowne, will I put it.
If more Wordes be repeated, they are vnderstood by a straight line drawne vnder them.
But the Repetition of more wordes, is either Immediate, or Mediate.
If it be Immediate, it is repeated once or twise.
If it be repeated but once, it is sufficiently vnderstood by the Line onely: as,
Cant. 1.15. My Loue, behold thou art faire, behold thou art faire,
If it be repeated twise, the line must turne vp a little at the end of the last word:
as, Ier. 7.4. Trust not in lying vanities saying: Heere is the Temple of the Lord, heere
is the Temple of the Lord. heere is the Temple of the Lord.
If the repetition be mediate, then must a short line also (e) be drawne vnder the Word, last before going, in the place of Distinction, shewing
that the wordes before vnderlined, are there againe to be repeated, as:
(a) In which Example, these Wordes, vvith these eares, may well be spared; because no man heareth without his eares. But of this Rule, and
some other following in this Booke (as the Reader may easily obserue) we haue vse
onely when we would write the generall sence of a speech deliuered, and not verbatim euery word thereof: Wherein, if the speaker from whose mouth we note, be very swift
of deliuerie, so that he transporteth our imagination beyonde the indeuour of our
handes; it shall not be amisse to write only the Verbes & Substantiues, and other
Wordes essentiall to the speech deliuered, reseruing a space for the rest which are
of lighter circumstance, to be supplyed with Penne immediatly after the speech is
ended.
(b) For the Arithmeticall Figures, sometime note the Booke, sometime the Chapter, the
Question, Centurie, Exercitation, Aphorisme, Leafe, Page, Colume, Section, Verse,
Line. &c. of any worke, according as it is distinguished by the Author.
(c) Euery man according to the subiect of his Writing vseth seuerall Phrases: it sufficeth
therfore to giue instance by those two former Examples, how Phrases may be abridged.
(d) For Mediate repetitions of one Worde, are not to be respected: as; In this Example.
(He that in time refuseth time, vvhen time vvell offered is: an other time shall seeke
for time, but then of time shall misse.) The Word Time, is fully to be expressed by [Page] his proper Character, in all the places where it is vsed.
(e) Besides that which was before drawne vnder the Sentence repeated.
Of Clauses abreuiated by Contraction. Chapt. 7.
A Clause, is abreuiated by Contraction:
First, of the sence of more Wordes into one, as: for, The great triangled Iland in the West, write England. For, The forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ, write John.
Secondly, of more Wordes into one Character, as:
[...]The Iudgement hal. (a)
☊ The Dragons head. (b)
☋ The Dragons tayle.
[...]The chiefe poynt. (c)
[...]Frō the coronatiō of. (d)
[...]Hand ouer head. (e)
[...]Preserued aliue (f)
θ Slaine in battaile.
[...]the Roman Empire (g)
[...]And so foorth.
·I· That is to say.
[...]It is.
Notes vpon the .7. Chapter.
(a) This Character bearing the proportion of the snoute of a Shippe, may signifie the
Iudgement [Page] Hall, because Moenius Consull of Rome, hauing ouercome the auncient Latines in a Sea skirmish, did set
vp the Brasen snoutes of the enemies Shippes in the Iudgement Hall for a monument
of his victorie: Which from thence forward vpon this occasion, was called Rostra, which in former times was called Forum. Liuius.
(b) ☊ and ☋ are Astronomicall Figures, vsed to signifie the two Intersections called
the Dragons Head, and the Dragons Tayle; because the deferent Circle cutting the Equant, maketh two Figures like these. Joan. de Sacrob.
(c) The reason of this Character, dependeth vppon Armorie: For in Armorie there are
9. poyntes, contained in 3. Escocheons; which for speede in wryting, I reduce vnto
a square forme, and place a Tittle in that poynt of that Escocheon, whose name I would
signifie, as: ‘The chiefe poynt in Hauking, is to hold fast.’
So likewise in the rest.
(d) This is in Armorie called A mund enuironed, and, a crosse Botone [...]. And it may be vsed in computations, to signifie Frō the Conquest of a King, or Queene: because it hath been an auncient custome at the Coronation of the Kings of England,
to giue them in the left hand a Scepter, and in their right hand a Globe with a Crosse
standing vpright vpon it.
(e) The reason of this signification is, because Iod the Hebrew letter signifying the hand, is placed ouer Resh an other Hebrew letter, signifying the Head.
(f) Of olde times, the Captaines after a Battaile fought, calling the Souldiers togither
by name, [Page] noted those which were slaine in Battaile by the Greeke letter θ and those which
were preserued aliue, by the Greeke letter Tau: whence sprung that Verse; O multum ante alias infoelix littera Theta. Also, Ezech 9.4. The Lord commaunded them to be marked with Tau in their forehead, whom he determined to preserue in the day of destruction.
(g) This Character, bearing the similitude of a Spread Eagle, may signifie the Romaine
Empire, being the Ensigne thereof. The two heades of the Eagle seeme to note the partition
of that one Empire into two: the Empire of the East, and the Empire of the West.
Of Clauses neglected. Chapt. 8.
HItherto concerning the Abreuiation of the partes of a Sentence: It resteth to shew
the Abreuiation of a whole sentence.
A Sentence is abreuiated either by omission of some clause or clauses thereof, or
by contraction of the whole.
Clauses omitted, are either neglected, or vnderstood.
Clauses are to be neglected, which are [Page] added without waight: as,
First, Idle repetitions, as: Peter Went out and Wept bitterly: He Went out of the High priestes hall, he withdrew him
selfe from all company, he remayned no longer among Cayaphas seruantes, but sequestred himselfe from their societie, forsooke their fellowship,
left their company, got him gone from among them, stayde no longer there, but went
apart by himselfe. &c.
Secondly, Needlesse Clauses, as: The Ambassadours not obteining peace, turnd backe
againe to their house, from whence they went. (a)
Notes vpon the .8. Chapter.
(a) These Words (From vvhence they vvent) are needlesse to be added, being vnderstood by the former Wordes (turnde backe againe to their house,) Legati non impetrata pace, retro domum, vnde
abierant, abierunt. Cic.
CLauses Omitted, are vnderstood either when they are repeated in the same speech,
or else when being the latter part of a Sentence, they are committed to memorie. when
one, or more Clauses are repeated in the same speech, they followe the Rule of more
wordes repeated: (a) as, in Psal. 137. this Clause (For his mercy endureth for euer) is repeated in euery verse: and to be signified where it comes, by a short line.
When being the later part of a Sentence, they are committed to memorie, they are
noted after the expressed part thereof, thus, &. (b)
The latter part of a Sentence, is referred to memorie:
First, when the Sentence is perfect in our mindes, as: In the beginning was the Word. &. (c)
Secondly, when the later part of the Sentence is a consequent of the former: as,
In explicate Syllogismes, and Comparisons [Page] fully distinguished by their partes.
In explicate Syllogismes, (d) as: What soeuer is conteined in the World, is mooued continually by some kind of
motion. But the Stones of the streete are conteined in the Worlde; therefore. &c.
(e)
In Comparisons fully distinguished by their partes, (f) as: It is a great danger to the Common-wealth, that any vicious person should be
neere about the King, least he corrupt the Kings manners: which if he do, he deserueth
more punishment, then if he peruert the good disposition of many priuate men. For,
as he is more worthy to be punished that poysoneth the Fountaine, then: that poysoneth
many cuppes of water. &. (g)
Notes vpon the 9. Chapter.
(a) Which Rule, is in the 6. Chapter of this Booke.
(b) &c. Signifieth, And so foorth Chap 4. shewing that the later part of the Sentence is well knowne.
(c) In the beginning vvas the VVord, and the VVord vvas vvith God, and that VVord
vvas God. Iohn. 1.1. A Sentence so famous, as that it sufficeth to write onely the first clause thereof,
and referre the rest to memorie. Augu [...]tine writeth, that not onely the faythfull, but the Platonickes made such accompt of [Page] this saying, as that they affirmed it worthy to be written with letters of Gold.
(d) That is to say, such as consist of the Proposition, Assumption, and Conclusion,
orderly placed, and not abridged into Enthymemes, or the Contracted forme.
(e) Who knoweth not that the Conclusion heere must needes be thus? Therfore the Stones of the st [...]eete are mooued continually by some kinde of motion. The Proposition is an Axiome of Philosophie.
(f) That is to say, such as are described by their Proposition and Reddition: which are
the two partes of Comparison.
(g) The Reddition, is by the Discourse going before the Comparison knowne to be thus.
So be that corrupteth the manners of the King, is more worthy to be punished, then
if he corrupted the manners of many priuate men.
Of Contraction of a Sentence by Figure. Chap. 10.
A Sentence is abreuiated by Contraction of it wholly, when it is expressed either
by some apt Figure agreeable vnto it; or by some shorter Sentence equiualent in signification.
By some apt Figure; as for example, this sentence: (Enter in at the straight gate:
for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction; and many
there be which go in thereat: Because the gate is straight, and the way narrow, that
leadeth vnto life, and few there be that finde it. Math. 7.13.14) may be expressed by this Figure Y. (a)
So a perfect Transition, shewing both what went before, and what followeth (b) may be expressed thus. ☜☞ An vnperfect Transition, shewing that onely which went
before, may be noted thus: ☜ shewing that onely which followeth, thus, ☞ Digression
from the matter thus, ☟ Regression to the matter thus, ☝(c)
Notes vpon the 10. Chapter.
(d) This Character was inuented by Pythagoras, to represent the estate and condition of man in this world. The lower part of the
Character noteth Infancie: in which age it doth not appeare to what course of life
the Childe is inclinable. The vpper part of the Character stretching two wayes; towards
the right hand, and towardes the left, representeth the two wayes; in one of which,
euery man walketh. The right side, which is narrower, shewing [Page] the way of lyfe and saluation. The left, which is the broader, shewing the way of
death and destruction. Wherevpon Persius.
Et tibiquae Sam [...]os deduxit littera ramos,
Surgentem dextro monstrauit limite callem.
(b) A Transition is a Sentence which as it were bindeth other Sentences togither. And
it is either perfect or imperfect. Perfect, which sheweth both what went before, and
what followeth: as Hauing declared vnto you the sence and meaning of the Apostle in
these words: I will now proceede to the Doctrines which may thence be gathered for
our instruction. All Transitions of this kinde, may be expressed by two Handes, the
one poynting forward, and the other backwarde, in s [...]gne that they shew both that which goeth before, and that which doth follow; which
what it is, the Tractate it selfe sufficiently declareth. Notwithstanding, if we
distrust our owne memorie, we may write after that dubble Note, the termes of the
Transition; as in the former Example. The termes are Sence, and Doctrines: which are
thus to be expressed.
An Imperfect Transition is of two sortes. First, it sheweth onely, either that which
went before; as: And thus much shal suffice to haue spoken concerning the occasion
of these words of the Prophet. Or that which followeth; as: Let vs now apply this
Doctrine to our selues, and see how neerely it concerneth vs.
Secondly, it noteth either Digression from the matter, as: And heere although it be
not incident to my Text, yet it shall not be vnprofitable to consider by the way,
&c. Or Regression and turning [Page] againe vnto the matter, as: But now to returne where we left.
(c) Vnto this Rule of contracting Sentences into some apt Figure, belong Emblemes: of
which, there are and may be innumerable.
An Embleme is so called [...], which signifieth to place betvveene, or among. For in auncient times, the builders of Princes Pallaces, Noble mens Houses, and other
sumptuous Edifices, vsed for the beautifying of their worke, to set heere and there
in conuenient places of the Walles, faire squared Stones, or Timber worke; wherein
were curiously grauen certaine Images and deuises, signifying some profitable instruction,
And these Stones, or carued Images placed among others for ornament sake, were called
Emblemata Emblemes. Hence it commeth, that Verses wherein the meaning of such Pictures and
deuises is shewed, are called by a Metonymic Emblemes: whereof it shall suffice to giue instance by one Example in certaine Verses,
concerning a Globe, whose circumference is euery where a like distant from the Center:
made by that worthy man Theodorus Beza, in maner as followeth.
Scilicet illa refert quod nos tegit vndi{que} coelum,
Tellurem hoc punctum quod tenet ima notat.
Cur igitur doleas? quor sum (dic quaeso) labores,
Tu, patria pepulit quem pietatis amor?
Caelum si versus tendis, quocunque recedes,
Hinc spatio coelum cernis & inde pari.
In English thus.
Thou seest the middle poynt engirt with that round line,
which hence and thence doth distaunce like maintaine:
That line doth note the heauen, which girdleth vs arounde,
that point pointes out the earth and thinges agrounde.
Then tell me thou? whom loue of pietie diuorc't
from thine owne home, what thee to griefe enforc't?
What meanes thy toyle? For if thy iourney be to Heauen,
from hence or thence thou seest the distance euen.
Translated by S. P.
And by the benefite of such Emblemes referred to a due place in our imagination, the
memorie also is much holpen.
Of contraction of Sentences by Logicke. Chap. 11.
A Sentence is expressed by some shorter Sentence equiualent with it in sence, by
the benefit of iudgement (a)[Page] either Axiomaticall or Dianoëticall. (b)
Example of a Sentence contracted by Axiomaticall iudgment.
At last the golden Orientall gate,
Of greatest H [...]auen gan to open faire,
And Ph [...]bus fresh as Bridegroome to his mate,
Came daunsing foorth shaking his deawie haire,
And hurles his glistring beames through gloomie aire
E. Spencer.
Contracted thus: At last the Sunne arose.
By Dianoëticall iudgement, to wit, Syllogisticall or Methodicall.
Example of a Sentence contracted by Syllogisticall iudgement.
Cic. 1. Tuscul. In the knowledge of the nature of Mans soule, we may not doubt, (vnlesse peraduenture
we be dull and leaden witted in naturall thinges) but that in the soule, there is
nothing mixt, nothing compact, nothing conioyned or knit togither, nothing compounded,
nothing double: Which being so, surely the soule may neither be seuered in it selfe,
nor deuided, nor rent in peeces, nor pluckt insunder; and therefore not die: For
death is nought else, but the parting, seperating, and plucking in sunder of those
partes, which before death, were ioyned togither [Page] by some copulation.
Contracted thus: All mortall thinges are compound; the soule is not compound: therefore not mortall.
An Example of Sentences abreuiated by Methodicall iudgement, is heere deliuered in
a Recapitulation of this whole worke, (a) And that vnder two formes, in two Tables heerevnto adioyned, marked thus. ❀
Notes vpon the .11. Chapter.
(a) Iudgement, is the second part of Logique; by the benefite whereof, a long Sentence
may easily be contracted into a shorter. For that which the Rhetoritian deliuereth
at large, the Logician compriseth in a few wordes: In which respect, Zeno compared Rhetorique to the Hand open and stretched foorth: Logique, to the Hand
shut close, as if Rhetorique were nothing else but enlarged Logique; and Logique
nothing else but contracted Rhetorique: Whereas this difference consisteth not in
the Artes, but in the Artificers themselues.
(b) Axioma is taken for an Enunciation or Sentence, pronouncing any thing to be, or
not to be. And therefore the iudgement arysing from such Enunciations, is called Axiomaticall.
Dianoia, signifieth the discourse of the minde, whereby one Axiome is drawne out
of another. And therefore the iudgement arising from such discourse of minde, is called
Dianoëticall.
¶ Although the Art of Stenographie hath heere been handled, chiefly as it concerneth
the English tongue; and examples giuen thereof onely: Yet any Word or Sentence of
what other Language soeuer, maybe fully written thereby, as: [...] Which is the abreuiation by Stenographie, of these two Greeke Verses. Iliad. 9.
A Direction for STEGANOGRAPHIE; or, Secret Writing.
HAuing finished the Arte of Stenographie, or, Compendious Writing, heere are added a few lines concerning Steganographie, or Secret Writing: not with purpose to handle it fully in the seuerall partes and kindes thereof, but
onely in satisfaction of what was promised in the beginning of this Booke, to giue
a few Rules for the same; yet such, as being practised togither with those before
deliuered, will enhable the Reader vnder one labour, to write both secretly, and compendiously.
The first Rule is, that the signification of Particles be altered, to note by them
other Letters: that whereas before in this [Page] Booke [...] standeth alwayes for a. [...] for b. [...] for c. &c. We may vse [...] to signifie b. [...] to signifie c. [...] to signifie d. and so likewise changing the power of the rest of the Letters. Which kind of Obscure
writing Augustus in a Letter to his Sonne, willed should be vsed betweene them; that when they wrote
their mindes each to other, they should expresse euery letter which they had occasion
to write, by the Character of the letter following next in the order of the Alphabet,
and for z. which is the last letter to double A. As, if this sentence, (Religion is the meane betweene Athesme and Superstition,) should be written according to Augustus his direction, it were thus to be expressed. Sfmkhkpo kt uif nfbof cfuxff of buifktnf boe twqfstukukpo. After this maner may be altered the signification of euery Particle, or of as many,
or as few of them, as is thought good, which will be nothing hard at the first entrance
into the practise of this Arte, being then as easie to expresse each Letter by an
other Particle, as by that which is appropriate to it.
Secondly, the places of small Characters [Page] about the great, are to be changed, as by making the place of A. to be where regularly, the seate of E is. And the place of E where regularly the seate of I is: and so foorth of the rest. As if this saying of Thucydides (She is the best Woman, of whose prayse or disprayse is least spoken) should be written by vsing this, and the former Obseruation, it were thus to be expressed,
[...] Which Characters being read according to the Rules of Stenographie, bring foorth
these strange and vnknowne wordes: Taaïos kittaa xuneo pro xaäut qsetur eqset jtam, therfore. In like order may be disposed the small Characters, by changing the places of some,
or all of thē.
Thirdly, it yeeldeth no smal furtherance to Secret Writing, if new Illiterall Characters
be inuented and vsed for certaine words: betweene which words and their Characters,
appeareth some Analogie and proportion of reason, at least, in the opinion of him
that inuenteth them. Of which priuate Illiteralles, heere follow diuers examples,
which may giue light to the inuention of many other the like Characters.
As touching the relation which these wordes haue to their Characters, it standeth
thus.
England is signified by a plaine Crosse, because the Christian Kinges of England boare a plaine red Crosse (commonly called S. George his Crosse,) and Englishmen are yet distinguished in the fielde, and vpon the seas, from other Nations by the
redde Crosse in their white Flagges & Ensignes. So Arcadia may be signified by the Halfe Moone, because the people of that Countrey [Page] woare the Halfe Moone vpon their Shooes in memorie of their Antiquitie. For (as the Poets faine) when after
Deucalions Floud, the Arcadians being newly spronge from Trees, about the change of the Moone, saw within three or
foure dayes after the Moone appearing in her prime, they thought thēselues to be more
auncient then the Moone; and therefore wore the Halfe Moone vpon heir Shooes. Wherevpon Ouid de Fast. lib. 2.
Ante Jouem genitum, terras habuisse feruntur
Arcades, & Luna gens prior illa fuit.
Though the cause of this fiction seemeth to be, for that the Arcadians first founde out the course of the Moone. So may we signifie Persia by the Bow, because the Persians had a Bow painted on their Shieldes. Fraunce by the Floure deluce: Ireland by the Harpe, and such like.
The second Character bearing the resemblance of a Staple and Ring, may signifie
the Towne of Dunstaple, called first Dunningestaple: which giueth in Armes the Staple and the Ring. And in like maner other Citties, Townes,
Corporations, &c. may be signified by that especiall thing [Page] which they giue in Armes, so that it be short and easie to be made.
The third Character may be vsed for Neptune (whom the Poetes fayne to haue gouernement ouer the Seas) because he is supposed
to carie a three-forked Mace or Scepter, in signe of the triple vse which Water hath; being profitable for Nauigation, for
Drinke, and for Washing. So Hercules may be signified by a Clubbe, which is supposed to be his weapon. Apollo by an Arrow. Pallas by a Speare, &c.
The name of Seleucus may be noted by an Anchor, because when he was borne, the print of an Anchor was found vpon his thigh: for which
cause, he and his successours wore the badge of an Anchor vppon their thighes. So Vlisses may be signified by a Dolphin, because he boare it in Armes. Agamemnon by a Lion, &c. And in like manner Noblemens names may be noted by somewhat in their Coates,
Crestes Cognisance. &c.
The fift Character is a Sheepebrand, or a Chapmans marke set vpon the wares which he buyeth, to marke them for his owne. And we may well signifie
the names of [Page] such men as we know, by their Marke, or some note agreeable to their trade: which
is an vsuall and common practize among Countrey Farmers that can not read, who with
a Chaulke stone set downe their reckoninges with seuerall men, by such Characters
as this.
[...] Signifieth Geomantie, because that Art prescribeth Diuination by diuers rowes of Tittles, casually made
by the Artificer in such order as these.
The seauenth Character signifieth the Worlde, because all the Spheres of Heauen, the Fire and the Aire, do encompasse the Globe
of the Earth and Water; as the White doth the Yelke of an Egge: or, as in an Onion
many coates do the middle part thereof.
☾ Signifieth Ockamie, (which is a certaine Metall betweene Tinne and Syluer; whereof Organe pipes, and
Sergeantes Maces are made) because this Figure is like ☽, which signifieth Syluer, as Ockamie in shew is like Syluer.
The ninth Character signifyeth a Diademe, because it is like the Linke of a Wreath. For a Diademe is a Wreath of [Page] Sylke or fine Linnen; such as the Souldan of Babilon, and other Princes wore about their heades. And it is called a Diademe, apo tou diadein, of Compassing about. This kinde of Attire for the Kinges head, may seeme after a
sort deriued from Nature. For the King among the Bees hath a small white Circle like
a Diademe about his head, and the rest of the Bees haue none. Plin. lib. 11. Cap. 16.
The tenth Character, hauing the similitude of a Palme branch, signifyeth Victorie, because as the Palme tree although it haue great waightes layde vpon it, still mounteth
vpward: So an heroicall spirit, giueth not place to Calamitie, but persisteth in
striuing against them which oppose him, till he hath gotten the victorie. Plutarch lib. 8. Symposiac.
Pyramides were certaine solide Pillars in Aegipt of Stone and Bricke, built like Steeples, broade at the bottome, & sharpe at the
toppe; extended in height farre aboue all other Buildinges, wrought with mans hand:
vnder which, the Aegiptian Kinges were intombed. Among which, there was one built at the cost of Rhodopis[Page] the Harlot; which was the most famous worke of the rest, and worthily reckoned among
the seauen Wonders of the world, as well for the curious and stately workemanship
thereof, as that she by the gaine of her whooredomes was able to builde a monument
more sumptuous, then those of the Kinges.
∵ Is the Character of the Hebrew Vowell Segol, which signifieth a Cluster of Grapes: whereunto the Figure answereth in likenesse.
∷ Signifieth the Plague, because it is often seene, to arise in small spottes vpon
the body of him that is vsited therewith. This Character, and some of them that follow,
with many more, not heere inserted, were found in certaine olde Parchments, placed
with diuers strange words, letters, and numbers: which among the simple people, are
reputed to conteyne Prophecies and Predictions of great matters to ensue. And some
Impostors haue taken vpon them, by these to ominate and speake of many thinges to
come, to the deluding and beguiling of the credulous: Whereas in deed they conteyne
no such [Page] matter, as vpon some paynes taken therein, I easily discouered.
□ Signifieth Quarterly, because it noteth an Escocheon parted quarterly, and reduced
into a square forme. And in like maner may the other 8. Partitions be noted: as,
□ partie per pale, □ partie perfesse. &c.
A Rundle of the colour of Gold, is called by Herehaults A Beysant, which is in Englishe A Talente. And therefore I note a Talente by a Circle with the Particle in it for or, which signifieth it, to be of the colour
of Gould. So likewise I note the word Hurte, by a Rundle, with in it for Azure blew. Bullet, by a Rundle with in it for Sables Blacke. Wounde, by a Circle, with in it for Purpure Purple: because these rundles being of these colours, signifie these wordes.
He, the Hebrew letter, signifieth Behold. The rest following, are also Hebrew letters, whose names haue that signification
in English, which is before placed with them. And all other Hebrew letters are significant,
and may likewise be vsed, to signifie the wordes noted by their name.
Vnto these Illiterall Characters, the Hieroglyphicks also may be referred, which were
certaine Pictures and Characters inuented in auncient time by the Priestes of Aegypt, for their owne priuate vse, to expresse the mysteries of [...]heir Religion by, that they might not be vnderstood of the common sort. So by the
Picture of an E [...]mot, they s [...]gnified labor and industrie, because the Emmot laboureth in Summer to prouide foode
for her selfe in Winter. By the Picture of a Dolphin, Swiftnesse: because the Dolphin is sayd to be the swiftest in motion of all liuing creatures. By the Picture of a
Serpent cast in a circle, and holding his tayle in his mouth, they noted the Yeere; because
the Sunne, which measureth the Yeere by his circular motion, is as it were turned
againe into his first station, running each yeere the same course which it did the
yeere before: wherevpon were made these Verses.
And therefore the Paenicians in such a shape, worshipped Fanus as God of the Yeere. Macrobius. In like maner, they signified Fonde Loue by a She Ape imbraceing one of her young ones: for the Ape bringeth foorth two, whereof she loueth the one, but hateth the other:
That which she loueth, she huggeth to her selfe by such hard imbracementes, that she
killeth it; and then hauing but one left, she nourisheth it with lesse fondnesse.
So they represented A Deceiuer by a Cuttle Fish, which when the Fisherman is readie to catch her with his handes, casteth foorth a
blacke slimie humour like Inke, whereby the water being darkned, she conueieth her
selfe away vnseene. So they noted Prouidence by a Beare going backwarde into her Caue, that her footinges being seene to be outward, the
Hunter might imagine that she was gone abroad. And many such like Hieroglyphickes
were in vse among the auncient Aegyptians, by which the secrets and mysteries of their Learning and Religion, were after a sort
locked vp from the Vulgar people, and neuer applyed to common vses, but [Page] knowne onely to the Priestes, who had been taught the same in priuate from their
Elders. Suydas. Them which desire a further insight into these Aegyptian Antiquities, I referre to the writinges of Orus, Ʋalerianus, Pierius, and others that haue written therof at large.
Fourthly, it is an helpe in Secret writing, to varie the Illiterall Characters into
diuers significations, which may be done by addition of some short Note to them in
place conuenient: as for example. Planetarie Characters accompanied with a tittle,
may signifie in the place of A, the planetarie day, in the place of E, the planetarie mettall, in the place of I the principall Planetarie Members of mans body, in the place of O the Planetarie Colours, in the place of u the planetarie Age. Againe, the Planetarie Characters accompanied with a Comma in
steed of a Tittle, may signifie in the first place, the planetarie Nature: in the
second, a planetarie Stone: in the third, a planetarie Tree: in the fourth, a planetarie
Beast: In the fift a Planetarie Foule, as:
. ♄ Saturne.
. ♃ Iupiter.
. ♂ Mars.
. ☉ Sunne.
. ♀ Venus.
. ☿ Mercurie.
. ☽ Moone.
· ♄ Saturday.
· ♃ Thursday
· ♂ T [...]usday.
· ☉ Sunday.
· ♀ Fryday.
· ☿ Wednisday.
· ☽ Munday.
. ♄ Leade.
. ♃ Tinne.
. ♂ Iron.
. ☉ Gold.
. ♀ Copp [...]r.
. ☿ Quicksiluer
. ☽ Syluer.
♄ . the Milt.
♃ . the Liuer
♂ . Gall.
☉ . Hart.
♀ . Kidneys.
☿ . Lightes.
☽ . Brayne.
♄ · Blacke.
♃ · Blew
♂ · Redde.
☉ · Yellow.
♀ · Greene.
☿ · Purple
☽ · White.
♄ . Dotage.
♃ . Oldage.
♂ . Firmeage.
☉ . Middleage
♀ . Youth.
☿ . Childhood.
☽ . Infancie.
, ♄ Melancholy
, ♃ Religion.
, ♂ Couragious
, ☉ Liberall.
, ♀ Pleasant.
, ☿ Wittie.
, ☽ Vncōstant
▪ ♄ Loadstone
▪ ♃ Sapphyre.
▪ ♂ Rubie.
▪ ☉ Topaze.
▪ ♀ Emerauld.
▪ ☿ Amathist.
▪ ☽ Chrystall.
' ♄ Hebene.
' ♃ Oake.
' ♂ Fugh.
' ☉ Baytree.
' ♀ Myrtle.
' ☿ Orengetree.
' ☽ Vine.
♄ ' Moule.
♃ ' Hart.
♂ ' Wolfe.
☉ ' Lion.
♀ ' Goate.
☿ ' Ape.
☽ ' Catte.
♄ ▪ Lapwinge.
♃ ▪ Eagle.
♂ ▪ Vulture.
☉ ▪ Swanne.
♀ ▪ Doue.
☿ ▪ Storke.
☽ ▪ Owle.
And in such sort, may any other Stones, Trees, Beastes, Foules, Fishes, Reptiles,
Hearbes, &c. be expressed by some other Note added to their Planetarie Character in
the Metaphthonge places: which he that will doe, may finde plentifull Examples in
Cornelius Agrip. de Occult. Phil. and in a Booke entituled, The Kalender of Scripture, in the ex-position of the name Elizabeth.
Heere although instance be giuen only in the Planetarie Characters how they may be
varied in signification: yet the Characters of Number, of the .xij. Signes, and the
rest, with infinite more that might be added, may with like shew of reason, haue other
wordes referred vnto them. Yet with this caution, that no Particles be placed about
the Character so varied.
Fifthly, the poynctes of Distinction are to be expressed by vnaffixed Particles, by
ordinarie Letters, or by Illiterall Characters (as seemeth best) placing notwithstanding
Distinctiue Notes vnder certaine great Characters, not ending the clause or sentence.
For this will easily beguile the search of the most curious, when he shall imagine
the clause or sentence to ende where it doth not, and accompt them for significant
notes of words, which are but dumbe notes of distinction.
Beside these fiue Rules for Secret Writing, there are diuers other Obseruations heere
omitted, as depending vpon some former Rule. Such as are the referring of other words
to the Defectiue Characters, [Page] the changing of the signification of Illiteralls, the contraction of ordinarie Phrases
into two or three Letters, or of whole sentences into one Character: Which Rules
and Obseruations he that vseth, may write any thing so secretly, as that it shall
not be found out by an other what it is, by all those wittie and acute deuises, mentioned
by Baptista Porta, for the triall of all such kindes of Writing, in his Booke De Furt. liter. Notis.