The Bakerian Lecture for 1809. On some new electrochemical researches, on various objects, particularly the metallic bodies, from the alkalies, and earths, and on some combinations of hydrogene. In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London for the year MDCCCX, Part I.

London:: Printed by W. Bulmer, 1810., 1810. 292 x 235 mm. 4to. Pages 16-74. [Entire issue: [iv], [2], 147, [1 blank], 26 pp.] Original plain blue wrappers; top cover off and water-stained, spine heavily chipped. Very good. First appearance of Davy's discovery of hydrogen telluride, being delivered as part of the Bakerian Lecture series for 1809. / Davy's fourth Bakerian lecture, read to the Royal Society November 16, 1809. "Contains the discovery of hydrogen telluride, further investigations on ammonium, and some hasty speculations on the supposed composition of the elements". Partington. Arguments are given for considering potassium and sodium elementary (truncated) bodies. "Gave further proofs of the elementary nature of potassium, and described the properties of telluretted hydrogen.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. / "Davy began to examine the chemical effects of electricity in 1800, and his numerous discoveries were presented in his Bakerian lectures". – Wheeler. / "Mr. Davy having from the commencement of his electro-chemical researches, communicated the several steps of his progress to the Society (The Royal Society), takes the present opportunity of reporting the results of his further inquiries under four principal heads. First, on the nature of the metals of the fixed alkalis. Second, on the nature of Hydrogen and composition of ammonia. Thirdly, on the metals of the earth and fourthly he makes a comparison between the antiphlogistic doctrine, and a modified phlogistic hypothesis". Other selected papers within this issue of the PTRSL: III. Everard Home, The Case of a Man, who died in consequence of the Bite of a Rattle-snake; with an account of the Effects produced by the Poison. IV. William Henry, An Analysis of several Varieties of British and Foreign Salt, (Muriate of Soda) with a View to explain their Fitness for different economical Purposes. V. H. Leigh Thomas, Description of an extraordinary Human Foetus. VI. William T. Brande, Observations on the Effects of Magnesia, in preventing an increased Formation of Uric Acid; with some Remarks on the Composition of the Urine. Encyclopaedia Britannica. DNB, V, p. 640; DSB, III, p. 602; Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed., VII, p. 872; Fullmer, Sir Humphry Davy's published works, p. 57; Mottelay, Bibliographical history of electricity & magnetism, p. 343; Partington, A history of chemistry, IV, p. 51; Wheeler Gift Catalogue, 2518. (Inventory #: S4652)