CHAP. XXIX.
Yet one other Specimen of Probation by the help of Eagles Feathers.
That Artificer Lazarus Ercker, most famous for finding out the Veins of Metals, in his Book of Probations (or of finding out Veins) relates, that the Venetians hired certain men for wages, and sent them into Germany to gather of the glassy dark coloured Grains of Sand of the Rivers running by the Mountains, and to transport it to Venice. The same is done at this very day. And although this Exportation is prohibited by Law, yet they desist not, but clandestinely proceed. The common People of those parts perswade themselves, that Grains of Gold are contained in those Sands, and therefore by Edict every man is forbid, either to remove it thence, or to convert the same to his own use.
Indeed Lazarus Ercker added, that he had subjected such Grains of Sand to various Trials, but never found Gold in them; yet that he also understood, that the Venetian Artificers prepared of that Sand such beautifull Colours, as with them were in more esteem, than Gold it self. But I affirm, that Erckerus did not rightly know those Grains of Sand. For indeed there is little corporal Gold in them, but much spiritual Gold. If to those Sands the Eagles Feathers be added, they will carry upwards with themselves much spiritual Gold, which will be very conducent in Medicine. Such Grains are found in all the Sands of Rivers in all Regions of the World, and in the Gravel on the Shores of common Navigable Rivers: whence much good may be gained. Now these may suffice to be spoken touching the Eagles Feathers, for it is not convenient to divulge more.