COMPOUNDING OF METALS. 389 



with copper, and observe the colour and beauty, it 

 being polished. But chiefly let proof be made of the 

 incorporating of copper or brass with glass-metal, for 

 that is cheap, and is like to add a great glory and 

 shining. 



For bell-metal. First, it is to be known what is the 

 composition which is now in use. Secondly, it is prob- 

 able that it is the dryness of the metal that doth help 

 the clearness of the sound, and the moistness that 

 dulleth it ; and therefore the mixtures that are prob- 

 able, are steel, tin, glass-metal. 



For string-metal, or trumpet-metal, it is the same 

 reason ; save that glass-metal may not be used, because 

 it will make it too brittle ; and trial may be made with 

 mixture of silver, it being but a delicacy, with iron or 

 brass. 



To make proof of the incorporation of silver and tin 

 in equal quantity, or with two parts silver and one part 

 tin, and to observe whether it be of equal beauty and 

 lustre with pure silver ; and also whether it yield no 

 soiliness more than silver ? And again, whether it will 

 endure the ordinary fire, which belongeth to chafing- 

 dishes, posnets, and such other silver vessels ? And if 

 it do not endure the fire, yet whether by some mixture 

 of iron it may not be made more fixt ? For if it be in 

 beauty and all the uses aforesaid equal to silver, it were 

 a thing of singular profit to the state, and to all partic- 

 ular persons, to change silver plate or vessel into the 

 compound stuff, being a kind of silver electre, and to 

 turn the rest into coin. It niay be also questioned, 

 whether the compound stuff will receive gilding as well 

 as silver, and with equal lustre ? It is to be noted, that 



