USES OF METALS. 185 



leisure than I have, my intent is only to treate of some LlB - Iv - 

 tilings succinctly, the which I have observed, as well by 

 experience, as the report of men of credite, touching these 

 three things which I have propounded, leaving to men 

 more curious and diligent to treate more amply of these 

 matters. 



CHAP. ii. Of the aboundance and great guantitie of Mettall 

 at the West Indies. 



The wisedome of God hath made mettalls for phisicke, 

 and for defence, for ornament, and for instruments for the 

 worke of men, of which foure things we may easily yeelde 

 examples, but the principall end of mettalls, and the last 

 thereof, is, for that the life of man hath not onely neede of 

 nourishment as the beasts, but also he must worke and 

 labour according vnto the reason and capacitie which the 

 Creator hath given him. And as mans understanding doth 

 apply itself to diverse artes and faculties, so the same 

 Author hath given order, that hee should finde matter and 

 subiect to diverse artes, for the conservation, reparation, 

 suretie, ornament and exaltation of his workes. The diver- 

 sitie therefore of mettalls, which the Creator hath shut vp 

 in the closets and concavities of the earth, is such and so 

 great that man drawes profit and commoditie from everie 

 one of them. Some serve for curing of diseases, others for 

 armes and for defence against the enemies, some are for 

 ornament and beautifying of our persons and houses, and 

 others are fit to make vessels and yron-workes, with divers 

 fashions of instruments, which the industry of man hath 

 found out and put in practise. But above all the vses of 

 mettalls, which bee simple and natural, the communication 

 and commerce of men hath found out one, which is the vse 

 of money, the which (as the Philosopher saieth) is the 



