Davy was appointed as Superintendent of the Pneumatic Institution in Bristol, founded by Thomas Beddoes to study the medical effects of gases. Here, he began researching the effects of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).

Davy famously experimented on himself and others with nitrous oxide, documenting its physiological and psychological effects. He discovered its anesthetic properties and its ability to induce euphoria. This work brought him initial fame.

Based on his reputation from his work at the Pneumatic Institution, Davy was invited to London to lecture at the newly established Royal Institution. His engaging lectures and demonstrations quickly made him a popular figure.

Just a year after joining the Royal Institution, Davy was appointed Professor of Chemistry, solidifying his position as a leading scientist.

Davy delivered his first Bakerian Lecture to the Royal Society, outlining his electrochemical theories and demonstrating the power of electricity to decompose chemical compounds. This marked the beginning of his groundbreaking electrochemical research.

Using a powerful voltaic pile, Davy successfully isolated the elements potassium and sodium by electrolyzing molten potash (potassium hydroxide) and soda (sodium hydroxide). This was a monumental achievement in chemistry and demonstrated the power of electrochemistry.

Davy continued his electrochemical experiments and isolated the alkaline earth metals barium, strontium, calcium, and magnesium, further demonstrating the power of his electrochemical methods.

Davy definitively proved that chlorine was an element and not a compound of oxygen, as previously believed. He named it from the Greek word 'chloros' (greenish-yellow), describing its color.

In recognition of his scientific achievements, Davy was knighted by the Prince Regent (later King George IV). This marked his elevation to a prominent social position.