London, England/london2C-124
Previous | Home | NextThis famous cartoon lampoons one of Davy's lectures, where he demonstrates the effects of laughing gas. In this cartoon Davy is holding the bellows while Dr. Garnett is holding the nose of a volunteer. Count Rumford, the founder of the Royal Institution, is looking from the far right. The cartoon was drawn by James Gillray (1757-1815), who was quite free in his depictions, satirizing political and social classes from both Great Britain and the Continent. Thomas Garnett (1766-1802) was first professor at the Royal Institution, but resigned in 1801 owing to illness. He died in 1802 at the young age of 36. He was replaced by Davy. Hence, the simultaneous appearance of Garnett and Davy may be contrived.
