SIR HUMPHRY DAVY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 47986

HUMPHRY DAVY
He worries that his wife is too ill to travel in the winter.
Autograph Letter signed: "H. Davy", 4p (integral leaf), 4½x7½. No place, Feb. 7, n.y. To "My dear Mrs Hamilton". In full: "I am much obliged to you for your kind enquiries & I should have answered them before if I could have done so satisfactorily. I suffer much pain when I leave [phrase illegible] is nothing to apprehend. I have been a good deal distracted by a letter I received yesterday from Lady Davy in that I think it contains a wary account of her health; but because it seems to imply a sadder intention of traveling rapidly homeward; & I think a journey at this time might injure her constitution. Dr. Holland showed me a letter which Mr Parkersly had written to him without her knowledge, urging him to write to her to induce her to put off her journey. Mr. P does not consider here well from last year. He says that he takes long walks & when not in pain is in excellent spirits. Of course this letter was not a notice to her. She was evidently sure from ignorant Dr [name illegible], who tells here that her complaints are owing to an inflammation [phrase illegible]. I quote her own words which are Dr Holland says are perfect for someone else and only intended to alarm her. I write to her today to urge of her not to set out on her journey until the commencement of spring: for in cold weather the travel inns are [phrase illegible] and without fires & in her present state of feeling the cold would intensify her suffering severely. I hope you will add your advice, which I know [phrase illegible]. I am my lady Mrs Hamilton very sincerely yours." English chemist Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) pioneered the study of electrochemistry. In 1799, he discovered the exhilarating effect of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) when inhaled. Electrolytic methods yielded him the elements sodium, potassium and calcium (1807-1808). He also recognized the element nature of chlorine and gave it its name (1810). He invented the miner's safety lamp, called the Davy Lamp in 1815. Paper separated at all but center 1½-inch segment at center fold. Slightly soiled. One-inch tear on last page repaired with clear tape. Mounting adhesive remnants on last page. Otherwise, fine condition.