The ore is extracted in the mode that has been described above,[1222] and is then purified by fusion. The metal is also obtained from a coppery stone called “cadmia.”[1223] The most highly esteemed copper is procured from beyond seas: it was formerly obtained in Campania also, and at present is found in the country of the Bergomates,[1224] at the extremity of Italy. It is said to have been lately discovered also in the province of Germany. (2.) In Cyprus, where copper was first discovered, it is also procured from another stone, which is called “chalcitis.”[1225] This, however, was afterwards considered of little value, a better kind having been found in other regions, especially that called “aurichalcum,”[1226] which was long in high request, on account of its excellent quality; but none of it has been found for this long time, the earth having been quite exhausted. The kind which was next in value was the Sallustian,[1227] procured from the Alpine district of the Centrones;[1228] but this did not last long, and was succeeded by the Livian, in Gaul. They both took their names from the owners of the mines; the former a friend of the Emperor Augustus, the latter that emperor’s wife.[1229] They soon failed, however, and in the Livian even there is now found but a very small quantity of ore. That which is at present held in the highest estimation is the Marian, likewise known as the Corduban;[1230] next to the Livian, this kind most readily absorbs cadmia, and becomes almost as excellent as aurichalcum[1231] for making sesterces and double asses,[1232] the Cyprian copper being thought good enough for the as. Thus much concerning the natural qualities of this metal. CHAP. 3.—THE CORINTHIAN BRASS. The other kinds are made artificially, all of which will be described in the appropriate places, the more celebrated kinds first coming under our notice. Formerly a mixture was made of copper fused with gold and silver, and the workmanship in this metal was considered even more valuable than the material itself; but, at the present day, it is difficult to say whether the workmanship in it, or the material, is the worst. Indeed, it is wonderful, that while the value of these works[1233] has so infinitely increased, the reputation of the art itself[1234] is nearly extinct. But it would appear, that in this, as in every thing else, what was formerly done for the sake of reputation, is now undertaken for the mere purpose of gain. For whereas this art was ascribed to the gods[1235] themselves, and men of rank in all countries endeavoured to acquire fame by the practice of it, we have now so entirely lost the method of making this valuable compound by fusion, that, for this long time past, not even chance itself has assumed, in this department, the privilege which formerly belonged to art.[1236]