The Spyglass: An Unsolved Sequential Puzzle

A Special Exhibit from the Archives of the Lost Institute

Featured Artifacts of William Dampier

  • The Spyglass

    Provenance: Believed to be created by the renowned navigator and buccaneer, William Dampier (1651–1715). Its construction is unlike any known technology of its period, hinting at an advanced mechanical craftsmanship that goes well beyond a simple navigational tool. The device’s exterior presents a tantalizing physical puzzle that must be solved before its inner workings can be fully explored.

  • A Private Journal by William Dampier

    Title: A Private Journal: William Dampier's Search for Arcane Truths, Sorcery, Magic IV
    Dates: 1705-1709
    Publication: Private, very few copies in existence

    This most private accounting, discovered alongside the Spyglass, reveals a hidden purpose to Dampier's voyages. Beyond charting coastlines, this journal serves as a log of his secret quest to find the "hidden currents of this world." The entries provide a firsthand account of his travels, offering cryptic observations on sacred sites and ancient civilizations.

  • The Lost Institute Research: Unraveling the Spyglass

    The artifact arrived at the Institute on March 31, 2025, and its status remains inconclusive. Our working theory is that the Spyglass is a device intended to protect some of Dampier’s most precious plundered items, in an effort to return them to their rightful place. The device's internal logic is believed to respond not just to tactile input, but to sequence or even intent.

    See more by Dr. Meredith Ashcroft, our Anthropology Archivist

The Call for a Professional Solver

The Lost Institute is always open to collaboration for sake the of knowledge, truth, and records. In the case of our resident puzzle box: Spyglass, collaboration is the only hope we have left.

The Spyglass remains partially inert, its telescopic mechanism waiting for the correct combination of coordinates or internal triggers. To assist with this complex challenge, the Lost Institute is seeking professional external puzzle solving assistance—someone accustomed to systems thinking and sequential discovery mechanical puzzles.

Solver Warnings & Guidance:

  • Do not use external physical tools or significant force, especially on the eyepiece.

  • The Spyglass does not come apart until it is completely solved. If any pieces pop off or fall out, please get in touch right away.

  • Avoid the use of any skill level of trained birds. Those will not help and may invoke curses further!

Partners and Acknowledgments

The Lost Institute is proud to announce a collaborative partnership with Leisure Luke, a renowned puzzle designer and a trusted expert in sequential discovery mechanics. As a co-sponsor of this exhibit, Leisure Luke is not only providing his expertise on the artifact's intricate design, but he is also managing the logistical support for this endeavor, including all shipping and the fulfillment of the Spyglass.

Furthermore, we are leveraging his network of professional puzzle-solving contacts to manage the global distribution of the Spyglass. Leisure Luke will also be handling all warranty repair work through his Certified Replacement Assistance Program, which covers any breakage for a year.