Apparatus for separating gold and other precious metals ; unique ; Kent was in business during the 1849 California Gold Rush ; "Kent produced one of the earliest how-to books 'for the use of persons who are about to visit the gold region of California.' In the preface, he wrote: 'During the present intense excitement relative to the immense amount of gold found in California, I have had frequent and anxious inquiries for the necessary apparatus and instructions desirable, to ensure success in searching for gold, platina and mercury.' The title page carries the date of 1848 and the wrapper title the date of 1849." From an exhibit catalog found at: http://www.library.ca.gov/goldrush/images/sec11.html ; The pamphlet referred to is entitled: Edward Kent, "Instructions for Collecting, Testing, Melting and Assaying Gold." (New-York: Edward N. Kent, 1848) ; The exhibit is entitled: "Gold Rush Exhibit," curated by the California State Library, 2000.
