Historian D. Michael Quinn, in his book "Early Mormonism and the Magical World View", suggests that the newspaper notice published by Smith Sr. is evidence that the "guardian," "spirit" or "angel" commanded Joseph to bring a piece of Alvin's body to the hiding place of the golden plates as a requirement for seeing them. Quinn argues that when Smith did not do this, he was unable to see the plates for a second time and had to wait another year. Additionally, Quinn suggests that this information was obscured in official church history because it implies Smith's participation in necromancy. The requirement to bring a portion of Alvin's body to view the plates originated with the forged salamander letter, which was believed to be authentic at the time that Quinn wrote "Early Mormonism and the Magical World View".