- Additional Authors
- Description
- 30 linear feet (30 boxes, 3 packages).
- Summary
- The bulk of the collection consists of transcriptions and notes used in deciphering the codes; publications by Owen, Gallup and the Riverbank Laboratory; articles on the Bacon controversy; and clippings.
- Subjects
- Access (note)
- Source (note)
- Biography (note)
- The Bacon cipher theory was formulated by individuals who sought to translate codes alleged to exist in the writings of Sir Francis Bacon. Two separate codes, the "Word Cipher" discovered by Orville W. Owen and the "Biliteral Cipher" discovered by Elizabeth W. Gallup, purport to contain secret messages revealing that Bacon was the son of an undisclosed marriage between Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester. In addition, the deciphered messages state that Bacon was the author of works usually attributed to Shakespeare, Robert Burton, Marlowe, and others. George Fabyan, a Chicago businessman, purchased the rights to Owen's work, hired Mrs. Gallup, and established the Riverbank Laboratory in Geneva, Illinois in order to study the codes. Fabyan published studies of cryptography and sold guides to teach the public how to decipher Bacon's code.
- Processing Action (note)
- Call Number
- MssCol 176
- OCLC
- NYPW92-A173
- Title
Bacon cipher collection, 1893-1948.
- Restricted Access
Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.
- Biography
The Bacon cipher theory was formulated by individuals who sought to translate codes alleged to exist in the writings of Sir Francis Bacon. Two separate codes, the "Word Cipher" discovered by Orville W. Owen and the "Biliteral Cipher" discovered by Elizabeth W. Gallup, purport to contain secret messages revealing that Bacon was the son of an undisclosed marriage between Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester. In addition, the deciphered messages state that Bacon was the author of works usually attributed to Shakespeare, Robert Burton, Marlowe, and others. George Fabyan, a Chicago businessman, purchased the rights to Owen's work, hired Mrs. Gallup, and established the Riverbank Laboratory in Geneva, Illinois in order to study the codes. Fabyan published studies of cryptography and sold guides to teach the public how to decipher Bacon's code.
- Finding Aids
Collection guide available in repository and on internet.
- Connect to:
- Added Author
Owen, Orville Ward, 1854-1924.
Gallup, Elizabeth Wells, 1846-1933.
Fabyan, George, 1867-1936.
Riverbank Laboratory.
- Research Call Number
MssCol 176