MINES OF CREMNITZ. 371 
original weight of the ore, the value of the latter chap. 
Is determined. The gold is then separated from >w-^ — ' 
the silvei-, by the solution of the latter in nitric 
acid; and the difference of the weight of the 
gold, from the whole weight of the two metals 
combined, determines the quantity of silver dis- 
solved by the acid. We were permitted to 
practise these experiments in the essaying labo- 
ratory, and to bring away with us the results, 
together with specimens of the ore, in the 
various appearances it assumes during the six 
different operations to which it is exposed. An 
hundred pounds weight of their richest ore con- 
tained from four to five marks of silver; and 
each viark of the silver about fifteen deniers of 
gold. We next saw the Mint. At this time^ Mint. 
six machines were employed day and night, 
with four men to each. They used what are 
called sivinging levers; coining only pieces of 
seven creutzers. A long time had elapsed since 
there had been a gold coinage. All the silver 
bullion sent from England to Germany was 
brought hither for coinage : it was considered 
as being remarkable for its great purity. Their 
specimens of gold ore, even when it is 
most rich, have nothing beautiful in their ap- 
pearance. We bought, however, at Qremnitz, 
other minerals, that were both beautiful and 
B B 2 
