Footnote

a Triad refers to a triangle used by one of their forerunners to denote the unity of heaven, earth, and man. Chinese secret societies have existed for 2,000 years; modern versions date from the 17th century. Originally political in nature, they are now criminal gangs. They are said to “command a global membership of 100,000 or more,” and Time magazine quotes a member of the Hong Kong police department as saying: “Triads provide the warm bed for organized crime.”