In all Copper a spiritual occult Gold lies hid, the which in the
labour of separation by Lead in a Cupel or Test, is not taken notice
of, or considered. But this very Gold is nothing else but the colour
of Copper, so firmly adhering unto its body, that it remaineth very
difficult to be separated from thence, but the operation being
rightly instituted, although it be not gainfull, yet it demonstrates
a possibility of the thing, for the sake of experiencing whereof, to
wit, whether there be Gold in all Copper, thou must labour after the
following manner.
Dissolve Copper in _Aq. Regis_, and pour much water on the solution,
that by this water the dissolved Copper may be largely diffused. Into
this solution diffused by the water, pour Lead that is dissolved in
_Aq. Fortis_, so that one or two half ounces of Lead may answer to one
pound of Copper. But as often as the Lead shall settle to the bottom,
thou shalt shake or stir it, that the solution may be well mixed, and
that the Lead may attract something of Gold; and may precipitate it
with it self to the bottom, the which being dried and separated in a
Cupel, will leave a small quantity of Gold, not for an argument of
profit, but a token of a possibility, which testifies that there is
Gold in all Copper. But if any thing of profit were to be received,
such Copper was to be taken which was already changed into vitriol. But
among vitriols the _Hungarian_, _Cyprian_, _Indian_, _Japanick_, and
other the like do excell, which do offer themselves in the Mines of
Gold-bearing Copper, and are handled after the following manner.