Jan 14 2009
Geology in The Books of Louis L’amour
Louis L’amour puts out some interesting tidbits about geology that show up in many of his novels. From “The High Graders” to “Jubal Sackett” or “Taggart” there are hints of how and where to find gold, lead, sulfur or other minerals that play a key part in the lives of the frontiersmen.
Very often the details about the importance of various minerals are forgotten. Before bullet manufacturing could be modernized, the balls used in muzzle loaders had to be made at home or in small workshops. Before gunpowder could be processed en-mass, it had to be carefully mixed by the few who understood it and the ingredients had to be gathered where and when they could.
The gold rush was pioneered by those wise enough to recognize the gold for what it was. Those who didn’t understand the difference between lesser metals and more valuable minerals missed a great opportunity for wealth.
