100 INTRODUCTORY NARRATIVE. [Lesson I. 



relighted, and the green flame disappears. The coal owners of the northern districts 

 rewarded Sir Humphry Davy for his valuable discovery by inviting him to a public dinner 

 in 1817, and presenting him with a service of plate worth 2000.* 



In 1817 Davy was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy; and was created a 

 baronet in 1818, while absent on the continent. On the 30th November, 1820, he was 

 elected President of the Royal Society, (in the place of Sir Joseph Banks, who had died,) 

 and he continued to fill the office till 1827, when he resigned it in consequence of ill health. 

 Immediately after this he proceeded to the continent, where he continued to prosecute 

 his philosophical researches, contributing the results of his investigations to the 

 Transactions of the Royal Society. His chief residence was at Rome, but, in consequence 

 of an alarming attack of paralysis, he was obliged to leave for Geneva. Proceeding by 

 easy stages in company with Lady Davy, he arrived at La Couronne on the 29th of 

 May, 1829, and repaired to an inn overlooking the Lake of Geneva. After he retired 

 to rest he was attacked with apoplexy, and expired early on the oOth May, 1829, in the 

 fifty- first year of his age. 



Sir Humphry Davy published Chemical and Philosophical Researches; Elements of 

 Cltemical Philosophy; Electro-Chemical Researches; Elements of Agricultural Chemistry ; 

 and a great many pamphlets and papers in the various leading scientific journals. 

 His last works are Salmonia, and The Last Days of a Philosoplur, the latter being 

 published after his death. 



Those who have seen Sir Humphry Davy must remember his gentlemanly deport- 

 ment and quiet manner. His head, which was small, was set off by an ample and 

 elevated forehead, and light-brown hair. His eyes, which were remarkably penetrative, 

 were light hazel. His nose aquiline, the mouth rather large, and marked by a thought- 

 ful expression, which imparted a fulness and prominence to the under lip, and com- 

 plexion fair. He was about five feet seven inches in height, with a large, well-formed 

 chest, slender neck, and small feet and hands. 



A simple monument in the burying-ground of Geneva, which is without the walls 

 of the city, marks the grave which received the remains of Sir Humphry Davy, on 

 the 1st of June, 1829. "NVhen we reflect upon the career of this remarkable man, we. 

 are struck with the perseverance he displayed, and his thirst after knowledge; no diffi- 

 culties seemed to deter him ; on the contrary, they only appeared to stimulate him to 

 greater exertions. Although studious in his habits, he was, nevertheless, particularly 

 fond of the amusements of fly-fishing and shooting, few persons being able to excel 

 him in either sport. Viewed as a scholar, and a philosopher, he is greatly to be 

 admired ; his writings display great force, judgment, and extensive knowledge ; hi.-, 

 discoveries were most important to the scientific advancement of the age, and the well- 

 being of his fellow creatures. Thousands of people were saved through the invention 

 and adoption of his safety-lamp another instance of the many obligations that society 

 is under to CHEMISTRY. 



1 * The Davy Safety-lamp was improved by the Rev. W. Thorp, of Womersley, in the West Riding 

 of Yorkshire, in the year 1849. 1. By introducing the Argand or solar burner, with a circular wick. 

 2. By admitting the air from the bottom of the lamp. 3. By having an adjustment outside the lamp, 

 to regulate the wick. 4. By having an iron chimney based with glass, introduced into four or live 

 chambers of wire gauze. The advantages of this new invention are therefore 1. Incrensi 

 2. The lamp only requires trimming once a week. 3. The oil does not fall out if laid on one side. 

 4. It is more easily cleaned. 5. It burns the cheapest oil. G. It is much safer than tl;e old lamp. 



