mountains which are situated in the west. Lastly, of the streams or rivers
which flow from the rising sun toward the setting sun, or which flow from
the northern parts to the southern parts, they favour those which approach
the nearest to the lauded ones, and say they are more productive of gold,
and the further they depart from them the less productive they are. Such
are the opinions held about rivers and streams. Now, since gold is not
generated in the rivers and streams, as we have maintained against
Albertus11 in the book entitled "De Subterraneorum Ortu et Causis," Book
V, but is torn away from the veins and stringers and settled in the sands of
torrents and water-courses, in whatever direction the rivers or streams flow,
therefore it is reasonable to expect to find gold therein ; which is not
opposed by experience. Nevertheless, we do not deny that gold is generated
in veins and stringers which Ue under the beds of rivers or streams, as in
other places.
"Albertus Magnus.
