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Humphry Davy Quotes

Chemist

Chemist, British scientist known for his contributions to electrochemistry. He discovered several elements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorine, and proposed the concept of electrolytic decomposition.

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Famous Humphry Davy Quotes

“The ready apology covers a multitude of social sins.”

Social Sin Ready Apology Multitudes

Author:Humphry Davy

“It must always be borne in mind that the assumption of woman's social superiority lies at the root of these rules of conduct.”

Mind Lying Social Women Roots Manners Assumption Superiority

Author:Humphry Davy

“The well-mannered man never puts out his hand in greeting until a lady extends hers. This is a test of good breeding that is constantly applied. ... The first move in the direction of cordiality must come from the lady, the whole code of behaviour being based on the assumption that she is the social superior.”

Men Firsts Wells Whole Hands Moving Social Tests Superiors Manners Code Assumption Behaviour Breeding Greetings Good Breeding Well Mannered Cordiality

Author:Humphry Davy

“To me there never has been a higher source of honour or distinction than that connected with advances in science. I have not possessed enough of the eagle in my character to make a direct flight to the loftiest altitudes in the social world; and I certainly never endeavored to reach those heights by using the creeping powers of the reptile, who in ascending, generally chooses the dirtiest path, because it is the easiest.”

“The beginning of civilisation is the discovery of some useful arts, by which men acquire property, comforts, or luxuries. The necessity or desire of preserving them leads to laws and social institutions. The discovery of peculiar arts gives superiority to particular nations ... to subjugate other nations, who learn their arts, and ultimately adopt their manners;- so that in reality the origin as well as the progress and improvement of civil society is founded in mechanical and chemical inventions.”

Source: Salmonia: or, Days of fly-fishing; in a series of conversations: with some account of the habits of fishes belonging to the genus Salmo. Consolation in travel, or, The last days of a philosopher