Davy
SIR HUMPHRY, BART., an English chemist; born in Penzance, Dec. 17, 1778. After having received the rudiments of a classical education he was placed with a surgeon and apothecary, and early developed a taste for scientific experiments. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Royal Institution at the age of 24. In 1803 he was chosen a member of the Royal Society. His discoveries with the galvanic battery, his decomposition of the earths and alkalies and ascertaining their metallic bases, his demonstration of the simple nature of the oxy-muriatic acid (to which he gave the name of chlorine), etc., obtained him an extensive reputation; and in 1810 he received the prize of the French Institute. In 1814 he was elected a corresponding member of that body. body. Having been elected Professor of Chemistry to the Board of Agriculture he delivered lectures on agricultural chemistry during 10 successive years.
The numerous accidents arising from fire-damp in mines led him to invent his safety-lamp. He was knighted in 1812 and created a baronet in 1818.
In 1820 he succeeded Sir J. Banks as president of the Royal Society. His most important works are: "Philosophical Researches," "Elements of Agricultural Chemistry," "Electro-Chemical Researches," "Elements of Chemical Philosophy." He also contributed valuable papers to the "Philosophical Transactions," and was author of "Salmonia, or Days of Fly-fishing," and "Consolations in Travel, Travel, or the Last Days of a Philosopher." He died in Geneva, May 29, 1829. some