Les Richesses Minérales de l'Afrique

Abstract

PROF. DE LAUNAY gives a further proof of his indefatigable industry in this new volume from his pen. It is a formidable task to deal even briefly with the mineral wealth of a huge continent, which has been only imperfectly explored; but fortunately the author is eminently qualified for the task. He is no novice in writing upon mineral deposits, and he has visited many mines in North Africa,. besides the most important districts in the south. The book is arranged so as to suit two classes of readers, those who wish to learn all they can about the occurrence of some given mineral, such as gold, copper ore, phosphate of lime, &c., and those whose interest relates only to some particular country or region. This arrangement involves a certain amount of duplication, but it is certainly a convenience. Thanks are likewise due to the author for his little sketch maps. Who has not experienced the want of such maps? For when seated in an easy chair the reader is apt to be too lazy to get up and fetch his atlas, and he consequently often fails to derive full benefit from the work he is perusing.

Les Richesses Minérales de l'Afrique.

By L. de Launay. Pp. 395; with 71 figures and maps. (Paris: Ch. Béranger, 1903.) Price 20 francs.