Concerning The Method Of Refining Silver With The Cupel And Of Making Exact Assays Of The Silver And Gold Contained In Masses Of Metals.

ALTHOUGH I have already described to you the procedure for making assays of the ores (a thing that is not very different from what I wish to describe in the present chapter), I shall repeat it in substance, with the addition of the method of assaying gold, in order to tell you certain rules for weights which are very necessary to know, and above all in order to demonstrate to you the method of refining a small quantity of silver by the use of a cupel, and in order to tell you how there are (I find) only two ways that are customary for bringing silver to fineness. One is that of the cupel [copella] and the other is that of the cupeling hearth [cenneraccio], one for a small and the other for a large quantity. But although they are called by two names and appear to be two methods, the aim and the procedure of both is actually the same. Nor do I know of other difference between them than the carrying out of the method and the large or small quantity. Cupeling is a very useful thing for anyone who handles gold or silver to know. Indeed it is necessary, because it not only throws light on the work that is to be done but it also shows the truth [55] and the correct weights in large quantities. It is a quicker and easier way of bringing the work to the desired perfection than is afforded by the method for large quantities. Therefore, as you have heard, it is used in making assays in order to know exactly what quantity of the substance of silver or gold is in copper and lead or in ores, as well as in that melted material which remains among the charcoal and ashes. In short, it is the measure by which you have the certainty and safety of knowing that you have not been deceived by art or by your workmen, who had no other interest than their simple wages. Many workmen are found who are so untrustworthy that they no sooner get control of a thing than they think up some fraud, and even though some know that they must give an accounting they do not restrain themselves, although sometimes they would perhaps act with greater security and more deception than they do if they did not fear detection. For, truly, since silver is a valuable thing and every bit is worth much, a man should not enter into refining it with closed eyes. If for no other reason this pro-