The Sincerely Discovered Art of Assaying and Refining of the Venetians

continues from previous page After I, N. N., had spent a long time in Venice among the most skillful artists who possessed the so-called science of the metallic Art of Assaying, and, old and weary of life, had arrived back in my fatherland after overcoming danger, I wished to leave behind in writing what I had learned for the benefit of my neighbor.

I will therefore report how the Venetians separate gold from ore, and likewise also from copper; how they assay every hard stone, such as ore, separate lead and silver, and make the Teste assay crucibles/cupels. After all these things, no person can be deceived. I say therefore, at my final departure, after I have been reported and anointed with the holy oil, and it is at hand that I must die, that these pieces described hereafter I have myself tried, assayed, and found to be proven, and many a person has made use of such; that these arts are now right and complete, upon that I die, and attest it with my