corundum, Madagascar.12, Madagascar History To 1810. [from old catalog], gems

Flacourt’s Histoire de la Grande Isle Madagascar is one of the earliest substantial European accounts of Madagascar, based largely on the author’s residence there as governor of the French settlement at Fort-Dauphin from 1648 to 1655. The work describes the island’s geography and regions, inhabitants and social customs, religion, material culture, fauna, flora and natural resources, followed by an account of the French colony and its relations and conflicts with the Malagasy population. Of particular gemological interest, Flacourt records the occurrence of precious stones in Madagascar, including topaz, aquamarine, emerald, ruby and sapphire, making the work an important early source for the history of Madagascar’s gem resources.