C 39 3 
III. The Bakerian Lecture. An Account of some new analytical 
Researches on the Nature of certain Bodies, particularly the 
Alkalies, Phosphorus , Sulphur, Carbonaceous Matter, and the 
Acids hitherto undecompounded ; with some general Observations 
on Chemical Theory. By Humphry Davy, Esq. Sec. R. S. 
F. R. S. Ed. and M. R. I. A. 
Read December 15, 1808. 
1. Introduction. 
In the following pages, I shall do myself the honour of lay- 
ing before the Royal Society, an account of the results of the 
different experiments, made with the hopes of extending our 
knowledge of the principles of bodies by the new powers and 
methods arising from the applications of electricity to che- 
mistry, some of which have been long in progress, and others 
of which have been instituted since their last session. 
The objects which have principally occupied my attention, 
are the elementary matter of ammonia, the nature of phos- 
phorus, sulphur, charcoal, and the diamond, and the consti- 
tuents of the boracic, fluoric, and muriatic acids. 
Amongst the numerous processes of decomposition, which 
I have attempted, many have been successful ; and from those 
which have failed, some new phenomena have usually re- 
sulted which may possibly serve as guides in future inquiries. 
On this account, I shall keep back no part of the investigation, 
and I shall trust to the candour of the Society for an excuse 
for its imperfection. 
