GARNIER (Jules). - Lot 118

GARNIER (Jules). Saint-Étienne, 1839–1904 French engineer, historian, and ethnologist, famous for his work in New Caledonia and the discovery of garniérite, a nickel ore named after him. Autograph letter signed “Jules Garnier” to “Dear Madam” Paris, December 22, 1881 1¼ pages, in-8 format. A charming courtesy letter in which Jules Garnier warmly thanks his correspondent while apologizing for being unable to visit her father the very next day: “…it is absolutely impossible for me to visit your father tomorrow, Friday…”. He nevertheless promises to visit “without fail next Monday,” demonstrating thoughtful politeness and a strong sense of social responsibility. This letter dates from Garnier’s mature period, when he was recognized both for his scientific work and for his involvement with the Paris Geographical Society, of which he would later become secretary. Appointed in 1863 as head of the Mining Service in New Caledonia, he discovered garniérite there and contributed to the expansion of nickel mining, paving the way for international recognition of the properties of ferronickel at the end of the 19th century.