There has been a lot of discussion about what we can learn from the solution to the 340 cipher. This includes discussion about the Zodiac’s intelligence and his level of competence at code making. Naturally, any insight into these aspects could help paint a better picture of the person behind the ciphers.
Would knowledge of the time taken to create a cipher give us any insight into the Zodiac’s level of knowledge of codes and/or his intelligence?
If we look at timelines, we can make some calculated guesses:
The 408 Cipher
Lets presume he created the 408 cipher after the 4 July BRS Attack. (The unlikely alternative being that he started on the cipher before BRS, as part of a premeditated campaign.)
The letter containing the 408 cipher was postmarked 31 July.
This allows the Zodiac 3 weeks, six days to construct the cipher – or 27 days
The 340 Cipher – Possibility A
Lets assume the Zodiac didn’t start on the 340 cipher while the 408 cipher remained unsolved. It would seem natural that he would wait until the first cipher was solved before sending a second. Also, the significant increase in the level of difficulty of the 340 cipher suggests a response to the speed and ease with which the first cipher was solved.
The earliest he would have become aware of the 408 cipher being solved would have been 9 August (the date news of the solution first appeared, in the SF Chronicle.)
The 340 cipher was mailed on 8 November.
This allows the Zodiac 8 weeks, 5 days – or 61 days.
The 340 Cipher – Possibility B
The 340 cipher specifically references the Jim Dunbar TV show.
Therefore, lets assume the Zodiac didn’t start on the 340 cipher until after the TV show aired.
The earliest he would therefore have started the 340 cipher would be 22 October.
The 340 cipher was mailed on 8 November.
This allows the Zodiac 2 weeks, 3 days – or 18 days.
Yes, these are all estimations. But with the Z340, would we not lean towards Possibility B? Not only is the TV show referenced in the cipher’s solution, but it appears at the very beginning of the cipher. In fact, the majority of the solution in the first section is dedicated to the show – "THAT WASN’T ME ON THE TV SHOW" and "I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE GAS CHAMBER". Arguably, the entire cipher solution flows from and is built on the opening reference to the TV show – "THE GAS CHAMBER BECAUSE" and "ALL THE SOONER BECAUSE" and "…WHEN THEY REACH PARADICE – SO THEY ARE AFRAID" This would suggest the cipher was written after the TV show aired, otherwise, surely the implications of re-writing the cipher after having already started it, solely to incorporate the TV Show reference, would be incredibly problematic in terms of the cipher key and its construction?
So, now that it has been solved, we are afforded insight into the construct and nature of the 340, and its level of difficulty, including the ability to compare it to the first cipher. I’m no cipher expert, but does Dave Oranchak or anyone else have any thoughts on whether the possible time frames detailed above give us any such insight into the skill level or intelligence of the cipher creator?
"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." Albert Einstein
There has been a lot of discussion about what we can learn from the solution to the 340 cipher. This includes discussion about the Zodiac’s intelligence and his level of competence at code making. Naturally, any insight into these aspects could help paint a better picture of the person behind the ciphers.
I’m no cipher expert, but does Dave Oranchak or anyone else have any thoughts on whether the possible time frames detailed above give us any such insight into the skill level or intelligence of the cipher creator?
Zodiac didn’t necessarily "create" the code, only the message within it. He may have simply used a book about codes as a template. Anyone can do this without practice or skills if they have a practical guide. I don’t think it suggests anything about his intellect aside from the fact he can read and copy/implement concepts. I think the way he killed people gives more insight into his intellect than his letters.
There certainly seems to be two sides.
Some think it was someone highly intelligent, but dumbing down their communication.
Some think it was someone dumb, playing up their low intelligence.
I think it took him quite some time to compile and mail/deliver the messages. Probably weeks in some cases, considering he probably had a normal work schedule to deal with as well.
Mah-na Mah-na
Zodiac didn’t necessarily "create" the code, only the message within it.
Thanks for your comments Alphadeltarho. I think I know what you’re trying to say. Sure, the Zodiac didn’t invent the encryption method, such as substitution or transposition. But he did ultimately encrypt the message.
He may have simply used a book about codes as a template. Anyone can do this without practice or skills if they have a practical guide.
I can’t imagine that "anyone" can just create a cipher to the level of the 340. But then that’s the essence of my question. Yes, a code book may have been a starting point, but just watch David Oranchak’s deconstruction and analysis (see "Let’s Crack Zodiac – Episode 6 – How was the 340 made?) It seems apparent that the 340 was a level above and beyond any textbook template.
I don’t think it suggests anything about his intellect aside from the fact he can read and copy/implement concepts.
I think it’s fair to say that even when you compare the 408 to the 340, it suggests the Zodiac was not simply doing encryption-by-numbers. (Again, this is the essence of my question.) Of course, the 408 was solved in only 5 days (All three parts weren’t made public until the SF Examiner published them together on August 3. The Hardens solved it on August 8.) The 340 took 51 years.
I think it took him quite some time to compile and mail/deliver the messages. Probably weeks in some cases, considering he probably had a normal work schedule to deal with as well.
Good point. Of course, we can make some calculated guesses about how much time he had available by breaking it down like I did with respect to the ciphers. If we look at Possibility B which allows the Zodiac 18 days to create the 340, is that a tight timeframe for someone to put the 340 together? Could we expect the complexities of the 340 to be at the level it is, based on someone working on it for that amount of time? And bearing in mind your comment – naturally the person wouldn’t necessarily be working on it 24/7 over those 18 days.
Let’s Crack Zodiac – Episode 6
https://youtu.be/UfrFSrI05hk
"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." Albert Einstein
