Viewing Single Post From: Clarification

Viewing Single Post From: Clarification
osric	Jul 7 2009, 09:02 AM
Advanced Member Posts: 51 Group: Members Member #3,254 Joined: March 15, 2009	Quote: I realize that the whole mystery is what type of device the chaocipher is. But is the working assumption that there is a third fixed alphabet that would be the starting plaintext? I don't think there is any 'working assumption' ! I gave you one possibility to demonstrate how 676 enciphering alphabets can be formed using 2 disks but, as I pointed out, this is just one of many configurations -- including concentric disks. Jeff Hill describes other possible machines in his papers at The Chaocipher Clearing House, and these are well worth reading. Regarding working assumptions, I assumed that there are only two disks because of what Langan reported, but Jeff has pointed out that Langan may not have fully understood the blueprints shown him by Byrne, and thus there may be a third disk. The only thing we know for certain is that nobody has yet found the correct machine. So you are absolutely right that the whole thing is a mystery, and I would add that we are all waiting for someone to have a flash of inspiration. Perhaps this Forum will stimulate that moment, and maybe you will be the man of the moment. Good Luck!


Clarification · Chaocipher