Of the first invention of writing

an essay : compendiously treating of the whole art. More particularly; of letters, their number, order, and of how many variations capable: of their first invention; by ancient writers ascribed to Adam himself, and for what reasons. Of shorthand. Of secret writing, decypherable by the key. Of arithmetick, &c. Of the improvement of writing, at home and in foreign parts: with an historical account of the most eminent professors of the art. Also maxims for attaining perfection in it; and observations on the extensive use and application of it. Interspers'd with diverting history and poetical entertainments on the subject : whereunto are added, several pieces of the hands in use, not before published