Page "Humphry Davy" Paragraph 5

At the same time Davy acquired a taste for experimental science.

This was mainly due to a member of the Society of Friends named Robert Dunkin.

A saddler and a man of original mind, Dunkin constructed for himself an electrical machine, voltaic piles, and Leyden jars, and made models to illustrate mathematical principles.

Using these he instructed Davy in the rudiments of experimental science.

As professor at the Royal Institution, Davy would later repeat many of the ingenious experiments which he had learned from his Quaker instructor.

From the Penzance school Davy went in 1793 to Truro Grammar School, finishing his education there under the Rev.

Dr. Cardew, who, in a later letter to Davies Gilbert, said dryly: “ I could not discern the faculties by which he was afterwards so much distinguished .” Davy said himself: “ I consider it fortunate I was left much to myself as a child, and put upon no particular plan of study ... What I am I made myself .”