Sir Humphry Davy - Consolations in Travel or, the Last Days of a Philosopher

London, John Murray, 1851. Leather. The very scarce fifth edition of this work of philosophy by the accomplished chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy, in gilt decorated full straight grain morocco binding. The fifth edition of the work, with the first edition of the work having been published posthumously in 1830. In full straight grain morocco leather binding with floral gilt decorations to the spine. With a frontispiece illustration titled 'The Cave of Adelsberg' and seven monochrome vignette illustrations. Collated complete. Very scarce. Sir Humphry Davy was an accomplished chemist and inventor who is credited with having isolated several elements for the first time using electricity, for having created the Davy lamp, and for having recognised that nitrous oxide has the propensity to make us laugh, and might (as it indeed did) prove to be a useful anaesthetic. He also advocated for making scientific pursuits more accessible to women, despite the effect this had of making him the target of gossip, jokes, and satirical cartoons. Consolations in Travel Or, The Last Days of a Philosopher is Davy's remarkable work of Romantic natural philosophy. Comprised of a series of dialogues, it reflects on the progression of different societies through history and Davy's belief in both the personal and universal value of science. In full straight grain morocco binding with gilt decorations to the spine. Externally, generally smart with rubbing and one minor chip (?) to the leather on the front board. Slight bumping to the head and tail of the spine and the extremities, with fractional lifting of the leather at the tail of the spine. Some dulling to the fore edge marbling. Front hinge is a touch strained. Internally, firmly bound with generally very bright clean pages, barring some light age toning and the odd spot. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .

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