Live Auction 5039Old Master & Decorative, Modern & Contemporary Prints
James Gillray (1756-1815)
Lot 265

James Gillray (1756-1815)

Scientific Researches! - New Discoveries in PNEUMATICKS! - or - an Experimental Lecture on the Powers of Air

Closed8 December 2010

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GBP 3,000

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James Gillray (1756-1815)
Scientific Researches! - New Discoveries in PNEUMATICKS! - or - an Experimental Lecture on the Powers of Air
handcoloured etching, on wove paper with thread margins, published by H. Humphrey, London, 1802
unframed
S. 10 x 14 1/8in. (255 x 360mm.)

Specialist note

This delightful and highly amusing caricature depicts a chemistry lecture at the Royal Institution. As the lecturer administers laughing gas, with unfortunate results, a mischievous Humphry Davy (discoverer of nitrous oxide) prepares the bellows for the next experiment. Eight days after the publication of this etching Joseph Banks would propose Davy be promoted to Professor of Chemistry.