1637, John Milton, Comus, London: Humphrey Robinson, p. 20,
I found the place
Where that dam’d wisard hid in slie-disguise
(For so by certain signs I knew) had met
Alreadie, ere my best speed could praevent
The aidlesse innocent Ladie his wish’t prey,
Without mechanical assistance.
Aidless navigation has the advantage of not requiring equipment, but is much less accurate.