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Humphry Davy

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,000.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Humphry Davy

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Auction Date:2015 Feb 11 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Chemist and inventor (1778–1829) best known for his discoveries of several alkali and alkaline earth metals, contributions to the discoveries of the elemental nature of chlorine and iodine, and early research on the effects of nitrous oxide. ALS signed “H. Davy,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 8.75, no date but circa 1804. Letter to his friend, English chemist William Clayfield. In part: “I should have been much gratified if you had joined me at Ramsbury. During the two days that I spent there it snowed and froze; & yet I killed some fish with the artificial fly. I hope you will contrive to meet me on the banks of some Welsh or English stream in the course of the summer…If I had seen you at Ramsbury I should have said something to you of the most beautiful girl I have ever seen; & chaste but for one misfortune, you will smile; but I had no concern in it; but this opportunity is passed away. If I meet with another being that I conceive can be applied to no nobler & more excellent purpose than than [sic] of a ‘solace’ for a most worthy philosopher you shall hear. This would be repaying you for the share you took in my initiation into certain mysteries of which I have been a constant admirer & which I have lately passed in one Temple alone. You will receive with this my latest born & consequently my best beloved Child. Should it die in its infancy I trust it will go to the Heaven of good reputation; but I have great hopes that it will become adult & strong…I shall send my papers by the coach of this day from Hatchets [sic]. Will you send Dr. Beddoes.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, light scattered foxing, and paper loss and a small tear from seal removal (affecting a few words). Davy met Clayfield while both were associated with the the Pneumatic Institution for Inhalation Gas Therapy, established by Thomas Beddoes. It was there that Davy began his study of nitrous oxide, observing the effects of inhalation. Clayfield was instrumental in this research through an invention of a device that measured lung capacity. A fine association piece between prominent early scientists.