Report of the Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel - Professional Papers of the Engineer Department, Vol. VI:: Microsopical Petrography

King, Clarence and Ferdinand Zirkel

Published by Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., 1876

About this Item

SCARCE FIRST EDITION of Vol. VI in this series of early exploration of the west, dark green with gilt titling on spine, twelve colored plates - each with detailed listing after the table of contents, index, 297pp. + 12 plates. Good condition with stylist engeneer bookplate on front pastedown and gift inscription on ffep, later small owner stamp on ffep, some foxing on rear endpapers and light toning on page edges, cracked front hinge and rear hingle starting. "In the years following the American Civil War, the Federal Government made it a priority to explore and understand the western composition of the newly reunified United States. Proper development and management of the vast natural resources, namely mineral wealth, in the public domain was a top concern and in 1867 Congress authorized the first expedition in which geology would be the principal objective." This gigantic survey was to follow the route of the transcontinental railroad (then under construction) along the 40th parallel from Wyoming and Colorado through Nevada and southern Idaho into California. The survey was led by 25-year-old Clarence King! The efforts of the surveying party were among the 'Four Great Surveys' of the American West prior to the inception of the USGS (United States Geological Survey), of which King was the first director. It pioneered the use of photography in geologic surveying, identified dozens of new species of plants and animals, and laid the groundwork for subsequent settlement and development of the region. This volume focuses on microscopical petrography of the region, providing detailed explanations of the geologic composition and beautiful color plates. A very unique early exploration of the West.

Seller Inventory # 6343-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Report of the Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel - Professional Papers of the Engineer Department, Vol. VI:: Microsopical Petrography
• Publisher: Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C.
• Publication Date: 1876
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Printing: 1st printing
• Condition: Good