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Humphry Davy, British chemist and inventor, late 19th century
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Humphry Davy, British chemist and inventor, late 19th century
Humphry Davy, British chemist and inventor, late 19th century. Obverse of the Royal Society Davy medal, nstituted in 1877 and awarded annually for an outstanding recent discovery in chemistry. As well as a bronze medal, the winner receives £ 1000. Davy (1778-1829) discovered the anaesthetic effects of laughing gas (nitrous oxide). In 1801 he was appointed lecturer at the Royal Institution, where he investigated, with his assistant Michael Faraday (1791-1867), his theory of volcanic action. Using electrolysis, Davy isolated the metals barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and strontium, as well as proving that chlorine was a chemical element. He is probably best known for his invention in 1815 of the miners safety lamp, which enabled deeper, more gaseous seams to be mined without risk of explosion
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Anaesthesia Chemist Chemistry Commemorative Cornish Cornwall Davy Electrolysis Humphry Humphry Davy Inventor Lamp Medal Medals Miners Lamp Miners Safety Lamp Mining Oxford Science Archive Royal Society Scientist
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This print showcases Humphry Davy, a renowned British chemist and inventor of the late 19th century. The image captures the obverse side of the Royal Society Davy medal, which was established in 1877 to honor exceptional recent discoveries in chemistry. Along with a bronze medal, the recipient is awarded £1000 for their outstanding contribution. Davy's remarkable achievements are highlighted in this photograph. Notably, he discovered the anesthetic properties of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and served as a lecturer at the prestigious Royal Institution from 1801 onwards. Collaborating with his assistant Michael Faraday, Davy extensively studied volcanic action based on his theory. Through electrolysis experiments, he successfully isolated several metals including barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and strontium. Additionally, he proved that chlorine is indeed a chemical element. However, perhaps Davy's most famous invention was his creation of the miners' safety lamp in 1815. This groundbreaking device allowed miners to safely extract resources from deeper and more volatile seams without risking explosions. The print not only commemorates Davy's significant contributions to science but also provides insight into his profile as an individual dedicated to advancing knowledge and ensuring safety within various industries such as mining.
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