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Louis Janin Papers: Finding Aid
mssJanin, Louis papers  
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Description
This collection contains the papers of American mining engineer Louis Janin (1837-1914), chiefly consisting of correspondence, primarily from the Concepcion Mining & Milling Co. for the years 1887 through 1889, and 47 notebooks and pocket diaries kept by Janin between 1859 and 1889 containing financial accounts and mining survey notes and experimental data.
Background
Mining engineer Louis Janin (Nov. 7, 1837-March 6, 1914), one of three sons in a New Orleans family who followed the profession of mining engineer, figured prominently in Western mining for nearly sixty years. Educated at Yale and then at the Freiberg Mining Academy, Janin began his career out West in 1861, shortly after his return from Europe. He made his first mark on the profession in the early 1860s on the Comstock Lode, where he applied his scientific training to improving the extraction of silver from formerly-discarded tailings. In subsequent years, first in the employ of others and later in his own practice, he obtained experience on mining fields all over the Far West. Having established a considerable reputation as a consulting engineer for accuracy and discriminating judgment, Janin acquired a growing list of clients including investors in Mexican properties and, in 1873, the Japanese government. His many skills and the breadth of his experience particularly attracted litigants in mining suits, who regularly employed Janin to ascertain the facts of the matter or provide corroborative testimony. Although afflicted in later life with a variety of ailments, Janin carried on with his work for some years and attained the profound respect of his peers. The three sons of his marriage to Elizabeth Marshall, Louis, Jr., Eugene, and Charles, chose their father's profession, carrying on the distinguished family name with their own careers.
Extent
Approximately 162 pieces in 3 boxes.
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.