 Despite Ashmole's close companionship with him, Ashmole never mentioned Backhouse explicitly in any published writings, the only written record of their friendship existing in personal MSS and handwritten marginal notes in his books.Josten has speculated this was because of a request of Backhouse's not to be mentioned by name; exemplifying his broadly secretive nature, Backhouse never held public office (unlike his forefathers) and published nothing under his name, though he has been identified as the author of the aforementioned "The Magistery", several English translations of French alchemical works, and, in an unfounded German assertion, "The Way to Bliss".As a wealthy and well-read man, Backhouse's interests extended beyond alchemy.