Steganography: The Art of Secret Writing

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Chapter I.

The operation of this first chapter is very difficult and full of dangers, due to the pride and rebellion of its spirits, who do not obey anyone unless he is most expert in this art. For they not only refuse to obey novices and those less proven in the art, but if they are pressed too hard, they frequently harm them and attack them with various illusions. They are malicious and unfaithful beyond all other aerial spirits original: "aëreos spiritus" — in the context of this book, these are likely metaphors for specific types of fast-moving ciphers or communication methods associated with the air., and they obey no one at all unless compelled by the greatest sacraments original: "sacramentis" — solemn oaths or sacred words used to "bind" the cipher or spirit into service.; and the secret committed to them they often unfaithfully reveal to others. For as soon as they have been sent out with letters, they fly away; and breaking in without order to the person they are sent to—like a crowd fleeing from battle without a leader—they hurry furiously, and filling the air with their shouting, they often reveal the secrets to everyone around the sender.

We advise, therefore, that no one intending to work in this art should compel them, nor anxiously seek their services. For they are stubborn and unfaithful, whereas you can find many among those we shall mention hereafter who are quite well-disposed, offering themselves willingly and ready for obedience. If, however, anyone wishes to experience their stubbornness for himself and prove that what we have said is true, let him know that this method must be observed: let him prepare the paper on which he is about to write with an invocation of the divine name, "In the name of the Father,