Theatrum naturae et artis

We submit to these the machines which are accustomed to be used in the metal mines, both in the Hercynian and Saxon regions, for drawing water from the depths (a).

(a) They are either simpler or more complex, and their structure must be deduced partly from the fundamental machines of mechanics and partly from hydraulics.

Concerning the Earth.

To those investigating this, metals first offer themselves (a), concerning which various things are exhibited.

(a) Which, as they are brought forth from the Hercynian, Saxon, Silesian, Bohemian, Thuringian, and other veins, we are accustomed to contemplate according to their sequence. In one and the same kind of metal, different species are indicated, and in these, different qualities and their marks, along with the full natural elaboration of metals, e.g., pure silver: their various examination, separation from one another, and transmutation, especially the natural Hungarian transmutation of iron into the best copper, etc.

Next, in natural stones (a), we note especially sports of nature (b), along with petrifaction (c), not neglecting those which are accustomed to be prepared by art (d).

(a) Which are either dug up or found on the surface of the earth and at the shores of rivers. To this I refer precious stones, which Bohemia, Silesia, and other lands