DAVY, Sir Humphry.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Elements of Chemical Philosophy. First edition of this comprehensive account of the chemical researches undertaken by "one of the greatest proponents of the scientific method" (Ency. Brit.), including his discovery of the anaesthetic qualities of nitrous oxide. This copy includes a loosely inserted 22-page offprint from the Quarterly Review of 1812, outlining a positive write-up of the Elements.The Elements records many of the experiments that Davy conducted at the Royal Institution, ranging from the properties of matter and general chemical laws to the isolation and observation of specific substances. Davy remains celebrated for his discoveries of chemical elements including sodium and potassium, as well as for his development of the miner's safety lamp and his mentorship of the young Michael Faraday. This volume is the first of a planned two-volume set: Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, was sufficiently impressed with it to write that, had Davy completed the set, it would have "advanced the science of chemistry a full century" (Ency. Brit.).Davy dedicated the work to his wife Jane (1780-1855), the wealthy heiress whom he had married earlier that year. Jane's money allowed him to tour the continent with Faraday, during which time he conceived of the aforementioned safety lamp.

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.