Sir Humphry Davy. 2S29 



at the knowledge of new individual bodies, or insulated factsf. How 

 widely have the Pythagorean proposition, and that of the similarity 

 of equiangular triangles, extended the empire of mathematics ! The 

 discovery of Jupiter's Satellites and of Saturn's Ring, was each an 

 interesting occurrence in astronomy ; but it was a fact of compara- 

 tively small extent ; while Newton's discovery of the law of gravita- 

 tion, was finding the true key which unlocked the system of the 

 world. No higher proof could be given of the estimation in which 

 the galvanic discoveries of Davy, were held by the most competent 

 judges, than that which was given by the French Institute, in award- 

 ing to him the splendid prize offered by them for the greatest discov- 

 ery in galvanism. The laws of nature and the powers and proper- 

 ties of natural bodies, are the birthright of no nation or tribe, but be- 

 long in common to the whole family of man ; and he who develops 

 those laws, and extends the empire of man over matter, lyecomes a 

 citizen of the world, and a benefactor of the human race. Hence, it 

 is reasonable that in relation to discoveries of this kind, national par- 

 tialities should give way to a feeling as enlarged as the laws of nature 

 are universal. This doctrine is clear ; but to see it when the prize 

 is to adorn the crown, and swell the triumphs of an ancient and hated 

 rival, — a rival no less in arts than in arms ; to see it through schemes 

 of conquest designed to humble and destroy the nation itself, — evin- 

 ces a magnanimity of which the records of science afford but few ex- 

 amples. The honor which this deed reflects on the memory of the 

 late Emperor of France, under whose sanction and approbation the 

 prize is understood to have been awarded, plainly shows, how much 

 shorter and surer a way ambition may find to distinction and renown, 

 by splendid acts of justice and magnanimity, than by deeds of op- 

 pression and rapine.* 



The year 1810 marks another distinct epoch in the life of Sir Hum- 

 phry Davy. It was during this year that he brought forward his 

 theory respecting the nature of chlorine or oxy-muriatic acid, which 

 gave rise to the memorable controversy on this subject, that agitated 

 the schools of chemistry during the ten following years. At the com- 

 mencement of this period, our philosopher saw himself standing alone 

 with the whole army of chemists arrayed against him ; at the close 



* It is stated in the " Artisan," that Napoleon, at the same time, transmitted to Mr. 

 Davy a free passport to travel in any part of his empire, accompanied by a present of 

 money to defray tlie expences of such a journey. 



