WITH NOTES. 449 



to elude the utmost skill of an expert decipherer. 

 Twenty-six lines of 26 letters of the alphabet each, would 

 form a square ; and supposing the letters placed in 

 different order on each line, we might produce 26 linear 

 alphabets, and 26 columnar alphabets ; or change these 

 by diagonal or other lines. These, and similar varia 

 tions appear interminable, but it is questionable whether 

 they would not delay rather than defy detection. 



How to fignifie words and a per 

 fect Difcourse by 5 jangling of 6 Bells 

 of any Parifh-Church, or by any 

 Mufical Inftrument within hearing, 

 in a feeming way of tuning it ; or 

 of an unfkilful beginner. 



4 by the. 6 of the. 



[A my sticall jangling of Bells. ~\ There occurs at page 

 185, of Van Etten s Math. Recreat. 1653, among the 

 several heads of Problem 84, &quot; Of changes in Bells.&quot; 

 He inquires : &quot; Is it not an admirable thing to consider 

 how the skill of numbers doth easily furnish us with 

 the knowledge of mysterious hidden things ?&quot; He 

 says : &quot; It is often debated what number of changes 

 there might be made in 5, 6, 7, 8, or more bells ;&quot; 

 observing thereon, &quot; that a childe which can but multiply 

 one number by another, may easily resolve it.&quot; Not 

 only have we here a kindred subject discussed, but 

 also in language very analogous to that employed by 

 the Marquis, particularly in the use of the words &quot; mys 

 terious,&quot; &quot; admirable,&quot; and &quot; a child;&quot; the latter being 

 a favourite similitude. 



2 G 



