Entry 5
The transcribed personal written records of Johnathan Altman in relation to his debaucherous research in Relative Magics and their implications. The staff of the Saunders College of Magics of Boston, Massachusetts, procured them as evidence in the lead-up to his trial.
May June 4th 1896
Eurica, I have finally gotten it, so a sling putt will be the desired target. I was able to use a variation of a cheater’s balm so that the putt would always hit the target that had the balm applied. I worried for a moment that the residue left on my hands after applying it would be targeted, but my wows were put to rest as it went toward the larger source. This is something to be kept in mind for the future. My hope is that I will be able to apply the ward to screws, nails, and or bolts so that they will immediately go to where they are wanted, and workers will not have to exert themselves on the tasks of hammering or screwing them in. I still need to see if I can get the ward to work on such small materials and if the screws will actually turn themselves or just jam themselves into the socket.
I have finally found the balance I needed here in my father’s manner. Every morning, I wake up and give my sister lessons, but I am running out of things I can teach her. She is a quick learner. It is only fitting since weavarty is a woman’s magic. We then will take a walk. My sister has talked to me less and less during these walks. I think she is disappointed in me for not fighting on her behalf against the wedding. I just do not see my voice changing his mind in the least, and the preparations are already in hand. Next month she will be wed. I hope she will not find it as apocalyptic as she sees it to be.
We then will have breakfast with my father. He and I will discuss the book he has required me to read. It is great fun; again, my sister no longer reads the books we only a few months ago brought as so much joy. I’ve asked her about why she stopped. She told me that was a nice dream for the time. Now , she spends most of her time practicing her magic. I, in turn, work on my spell. It seems like noon is the best time. I get plenty of sun and good air. After lunch, I spend the rest of my day writing my book. I have nearly finished half of the rough draft. At this moment, I am adding citations and references to the first chapters. I always prefer writing a rough introduction to the chapter here as it helps to get a footing as to what I should be writing.
I have gotten a response from Ms. Fair. She told me that she had expected a letter sooner, but she was happy to have received it. I told her about my sister’s troubles, and she sent her sympathies. She asked what I’d done, in my letter back I told her that there was little if anything I could do. If I could change it, I would. She was glad to hear her teachings helped my sister in some way. I look forward to seeing her again.
Colsoar Has sent me another collection of transcriptions. I would have never thought that the stones in Wales had such humor. I am sure they have no intentions of being comedic, and a fair number have been nothing but helpful as they can be. One told him to answer a riddle before he passed, and when he didn’t, the rock told him not to be rude and ruin his fun for the day. I begged him in my return letter to please write a book about the complex lives of river rocks. I am sure it would be an enjoyable read.
I did receive one letter that was unwanted. It turns out that Summers will be joining me on my trip back to the campus. I nearly ripped my own hair out. Must he attend every section of my life? However, after I reassembled myself, I viewed this as an advantage. If I could finish my spell craft before he arrived, I could tell him that the Spaniard technique was useless for this type of thoughtless accuracy. If I don’t, I can say I will be unable to join until I finish the spell. I was most confident that he would avoid any academic jousts with someone who had actually perfected a spell and relearned ancient spells to do so. To see his face after my reveal will be a balm to my soul.
But before I Leave, the Jones boy is to make an appearance. I hope after I converse with him, I can finally assuage my sister's worries about him and my own. Because men are more honest with other men than they are ever with women, I can get a truer feeling of him than she can. I hope for the best.
Dr. Altman
Notes of Mr. Mathew Maroe on the evidence above. 1911 August 17th
This might not help our case. The prosecutors were going to file charges under the use of cheater’s magic, which is prohibited from use in professional spaces, but as its use has developed an industry that the public relies on, they may not react kindly to us, claiming that they have also participated in a misdemeanor. However, if we frame it as him wanting to corrupt the people, it may work for us. However, I am not sure of how this will affect the automatic screw industry.