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Marriage and Social Life Timeline (1812-1829)Marriage and Social Life Timeline (1812-1829)Deteriorating Health and Final Years Timeline (1827-1829)Deteriorating Health and Final Years Timeline (1827-1829)Invention of the Davy Lamp Timeline (1815)Invention of the Davy Lamp Timeline (1815)Davy's Writings and Publications TimelineDavy's Writings and Publications TimelinePresident of the Royal Society Timeline (1820-1827)President of the Royal Society Timeline (1820-1827)Royal Institution and Chemical Discoveries Timeline (1799-1812)Royal Institution and Chemical Discoveries Timeline (1799-1812)Michael Faraday's Relationship with Davy (1813-1829)Michael Faraday's Relationship with Davy (1813-1829)Honours and Awards TimelineHonours and Awards TimelineMain milestonesMain milestonesDavy's Research Beyond Electrochemistry and Mining TimelineDavy's Research Beyond Electrochemistry and Mining TimelineEarly Life and Education Timeline (1778-1799)Early Life and Education Timeline (1778-1799)
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Humphry Davy - British chemist

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03.04.25
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Overview

Sir Humphry Davy, 1st Baronet, was a brilliant British chemist and inventor whose groundbreaking research dramatically advanced the fields of chemistry, electrochemistry, and mining safety. From discovering several new elements to inventing the iconic Davy lamp, his contributions left an indelible mark on science and industry. This timeline chronicles his remarkable life, highlighting key milestones and their lasting significance.
Main Milestones
Birth in Penzance, Cornwall
December 17, 1778
Humphry Davy was born in Penzance, Cornwall, to Robert Davy, a woodcarver, and Grace Millett. His humble beginnings in a coastal town steeped in mining tradition would later profoundly influence his career, particularly his work on miner's safety.
Apprenticeship to a Surgeon-Apothecary
1795
At the age of 17, Davy was apprenticed to a surgeon-apothecary, John Bingham Borlase, in Penzance. While ostensibly learning medicine, this apprenticeship provided him with access to a rudimentary laboratory and the freedom to pursue his growing fascination with chemistry, conducting experiments and devouring scientific literature.
Superintendent of the Pneumatic Institution
1798
Davy's burgeoning reputation led to his appointment as Superintendent of the Pneumatic Institution in Bristol. This institution, founded by Thomas Beddoes, focused on the medical applications of gases. Here, Davy conducted pioneering (and often self-experimenting) research into the physiological effects of various gases, including nitrous oxide, which he famously nicknamed "laughing gas".
Lecturer at the Royal Institution
1801
Davy's compelling lectures and innovative experiments earned him a prestigious position as a lecturer at the Royal Institution in London. His charismatic style and dramatic demonstrations quickly made him a popular figure, attracting large crowds and solidifying his status as a leading scientist.
Electrochemical Discovery of New Elements
1807-1808
Davy revolutionized chemistry through the use of electrolysis. By passing electric currents through molten compounds, he isolated several new elements, including potassium, sodium, calcium, strontium, barium, magnesium, and boron. This groundbreaking work demonstrated the power of electrochemistry as a tool for scientific discovery.
Knighthood and Marriage
1812
Davy's scientific achievements were recognized with a knighthood. In the same year, he married Jane Apreece, a wealthy widow and socialite. While the marriage brought him financial security and social standing, it was reportedly not a particularly happy one.
Invention of the Davy Lamp
1815
Motivated by the frequent explosions in coal mines caused by flammable methane gas (firedamp), Davy designed the Davy lamp. This ingenious invention enclosed the flame within a wire gauze cage, preventing the heat of the flame from igniting the surrounding gas. The Davy lamp significantly reduced mine explosions and saved countless lives, cementing Davy's legacy as a practical scientist and humanitarian.
President of the Royal Society
1820-1821
Davy was elected President of the Royal Society, the most prestigious scientific organization in Britain. This appointment marked the pinnacle of his career, recognizing his immense contributions to science and his leadership within the scientific community. However, his tenure was marked by controversies, particularly involving his relationship with Michael Faraday.
Death in Geneva, Switzerland
May 29, 1829
After years of declining health, possibly due to exposure to toxic chemicals during his experiments, Humphry Davy died in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 50. His scientific legacy endured, inspiring future generations of scientists and continuing to impact fields ranging from chemistry to mining safety. He was buried in the Plainpalais Cemetery in Geneva.

Other Themed Timelines

Davy's Research Beyond Electrochemistry and Mining TimelineDavy's Research Beyond Electrochemistry and Mining TimelineDavy's Writings and Publications TimelineDavy's Writings and Publications TimelineDeteriorating Health and Final Years Timeline (1827-1829)Deteriorating Health and Final Years Timeline (1827-1829)Early Life and Education Timeline (1778-1799)Early Life and Education Timeline (1778-1799)Honours and Awards TimelineHonours and Awards TimelineInvention of the Davy Lamp Timeline (1815)Invention of the Davy Lamp Timeline (1815)Marriage and Social Life Timeline (1812-1829)Marriage and Social Life Timeline (1812-1829)Michael Faraday's Relationship with Davy (1813-1829)Michael Faraday's Relationship with Davy (1813-1829)President of the Royal Society Timeline (1820-1827)President of the Royal Society Timeline (1820-1827)Royal Institution and Chemical Discoveries Timeline (1799-1812)Royal Institution and Chemical Discoveries Timeline (1799-1812)
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