Davy, Sir Humpkry

—Born 1778, died 1829. An English chemist, famous for his researches in electro-chemistry. He was an extremely precocious boy, with a remarkable memory and an aptitude for scientific study. His early education in natural science he obtained from a sacddler of Penzance, and in 1795, at the age of seventeen, he began his career as a chemist. His untiring energy in the laboratory ted to many discoveries which attracted the attention of the scientific world. He discovered the elementary existence of pota ium, sodium, and chlorine, and the properties of numerous gases and chemicals by electrolytic experiments, while his public lectures drew large and brilliant audiences. He recognized the talents of Faraday, and appointed him a istant in his laboratory. In 1815, he invented the miners’ safety lamp, in recognition of which he was created baronet in 1818.