Georgii Agricolae medici Bermannus, sive de re metallica

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I have perused, most distinguished young men, almost ἀπνευσὶ breathlessly, yet not carelessly, the dialogue of Georgius concerning metallic matters. And I cannot say sufficiently whether I did this with greater pleasure or profit. I was greatly delighted by the novelty of the subject, invigorated by the liberal jests scattered here and there, nor was the simplicity of the diction unpleasant, recalling something of the Attic referring to the refined, clear style of ancient Athens; but above all, the clarity enargia vividness of the things exposed before my eyes held me attentive. I felt as though I were not reading about those valleys, hills, mines, and machines, but actually seeing them. And I was not far from having conceived from so many silver and gold veins some desire for such things. I wish we were moved with such zeal toward heaven as we are toward searching the earth. Not that I disapprove of this industry, for the earth produces for us whatever it produces, but because these veins, however fruitful they may be, cannot make a man blessed to such a degree that not a few...