Humphry Davy

Humphry Davy was a chemist and inventor who invented the Davy Lamp here at the Royal Institution.

A black and white image of Humphry Davy

Humphry Davy was a chemist and the first Director of the Laboratory here at the Royal Institution, taking up the post in 1801. He was central to establishing the Ri as both a popular venue for lectures and an active site of scientific research, two elements which remain central to our work today. As well as his scientific discoveries, he was a prolific poet.

The Davy lamp

Find out more about Humphry Davy

Find out more about Humphry Davy, director of the Ri from 1801–1825.

Sir Humphry Davy's biography Humphry Davy's lamp Davy's original samples
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Building closures from 9 December onwards

We are closed on the 10 and 12 December, along with other closures during the week starting 9 December, full details here.