Here is a good place to start.
http://www.goldrefiningforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=5604&hilit=guide
Also look for the link in several forum members signature lines for a free download of C. M. Hoke, Refining Precious metal wastes. It covers all the basics you will need to know to get the most of the forum. Once you have read it you will have a better understanding of what is discussed here.