The gold-seeker's handbook

The gold-seeker's handbook


The gold-seeker's handbook intended to be used in the detection of gold, silver, copper, and other metals found in the Dominion of Canada, United States, and British Columbia, so simplified as to be understood by any man of ordinary capacity.

BY
THOMAS HUGHES,
CIVIL ENGINEER AND P.L.S.
1867

PREFACE.

This little work does not claim to rank high as a scientific production. It is indebted for its origin to
the recent discoveries of various minerals, and especially gold, in different parts of the Dominion of
Canada, now added to the splendid developments of California and British Columbia, and is intended
chiefly for the use of those not deeply read in the lore of our colleges. But whilst it shall be the constant
aim of the author to state all facts in the plainest admissible terms, yet he trusts that he will not be
suspected of a desire to ignore or despise the learning of the scientific. Far from this; inasmuch as it is
said that " simplicity is the perfection of art." He hopes that this unpretending work will be found to
be based upon true science, although clothed in a plain and simple garb.
Whilst it is the design of the author to furnish to the public a safe and reliable guide as to the searching
for, and detection of, minerals, he does not profess to establish any new theories. His only merit, if such
there be, consists in presenting in a cheap and accessible there be, consists in presenting in a cheap and
accessible form what otherwise could only be got from books of much cost and deep research.
It is by no means the intention of this work to supersede the labours of the analytical chemist, whose
researches often call for an amount of scientific training, as well as of manual dexterity and costly apparatus,
much exceeding the means of those for whom this work is intended. It is hoped, however, that through its means
the public will be able to form a tolerably correct idea as to the prevalence, in paying quantities, of valuable
metals in certain localities, so that, should they be doomed in some cases to disappointment as regards a
" golden future," they may, at least, be spared the unavailing sacrifice of valuable time and means ; whilst those to
whom the prospects seem brighter may be encouraged to persevere in more extended and complete examinations.
Should this work be the means either of aiding in the development of our hidden mineral wealth, or of
preserving unsuspecting men from certain ruin, through a want of knowledge in searching for mineral treasure, the
object of the author, as well as of the Publisher, will have been amply attained.

LINK

http://ia700504.us.archive.org/8/items/cihm_15261/cihm_15261.pdf