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Humphry Davy, English chemist in 1803, (c1870)
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Humphry Davy, English chemist in 1803, (c1870)
Humphry Davy, English chemist in 1803, (c1870). At this time Davy (1778-1829) was lecturer at the Royal Institution, London. From 1797 to 1801 he was assistant to Thomas Beddoes (1760-1808) at the Medical Pneumatic Institution where he experimented with nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas). 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. After a portrait by Henry Howard (1769-1847) from The Worlds Great Men. (London, c1870)
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Media ID 14864874
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Chemist Chemistry Davy Davy Lamp Henry Henry Howard Howard Humphry Humphry Davy Lamp Miners Lamp Oxford Science Archive
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the esteemed English chemist, Humphry Davy, in 1803. At the time this photograph was taken around 1870, Davy held the position of lecturer at the prestigious Royal Institution in London. His groundbreaking work during his tenure as an assistant to Thomas Beddoes at the Medical Pneumatic Institution from 1797 to 1801 revolutionized scientific understanding. Davy's experiments with nitrous oxide, commonly known as Laughing Gas, propelled him into prominence within the scientific community. Through electrolysis, he successfully isolated several metals including barium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and strontium. Additionally, he made a significant contribution by proving that chlorine was indeed a chemical element. However, it is perhaps his invention of the miners' safety lamp in 1815 that has left an indelible mark on history. This innovative creation allowed miners to safely navigate deeper and more gaseous seams without fear of explosions. The portrait itself is a masterful engraving by Henry Howard (1769-1847), capturing Davy's intellectual prowess and commanding presence. It serves as a testament to both Davy's contributions to science and Howard's artistic skill. This remarkable image provides us with a glimpse into one of chemistry's most influential figures during the nineteenth century - Humphry Davy - whose discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the world today.
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