Jackson, Charles T.; Report on the Geological and Mineralogical Survey of the Mineral Lands of the United States in the State of Michigan, made under the authority of an act of Congress approved Match 1, 1847… 31st Congress 1st Session, Senate Ex. Doc. No. 1, Washington, 1849. Large octavo, pp. 371-935, 18 plates (numbered 1-19), 4 woodcuts, 5 large folded hand colored maps and plans.
The rare work is complete and in a contemporary half calf over marbled boards with marbled text block edges and end sheets. Book plate of Alfred H. Brooks (1871-1924) USGS chief geologist for Alaska, on paste down. Minor foxing to last pages of text. Majority of text, maps and plates are exceptionally clean and sharp. In very good condition.
Charles T. Jackson (1805-1880) was an American physician, chemist, mineralogist and geologist. Jackson’s interest in geology began when he found chiastolite crystals in a glacial drift schist in Lancaster, Massachusetts. In 1827 he visited Nova Scotia with his friend, Francis Alger, to study the geology and mineralogy of the region. He published his observations in1828. Jackson became the first state geologist of Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire and subsequent reports were published between 1837 and 1844. In 1847 he was appointed U.S. geologist to report on the public lands in the Lake Superior region. The results of his studies were published by Congress in 1849. After two seasons’ work, conflicts with his fellow geologists J. D. Whitney and J. W. Foster led to his discharge. Thereafter, he made frequent reports for mining companies.
As a descriptive geologist, Jackson’s report is focused on mineralogical geology and the economic advantages that would result from the discovery of mineral deposits. Many of the geological maps are the first of the region including the geological map of Isle Royale.
