*DAVY, JOHN, M.D., F.R.S., the brother and biographer of Sir Humphry Davy, and eminent as a chemist, geologist, and physiologist. Dr. Davy studied medicine in Edinburgh, and took his degree of Doctor of Medicine in that University in 1814. He entered the army as a surgeon, and is now inspector-general of army hospitals on half pay. He has been a most copious writer, having written several volumes on general subjects, besides a large number of papers ranging over nearly the whole field of natural science. His general works are :-1, 'An Account of the Interior of Ceylon and of its Inhabitants, with Travels in that Island,' London, 4to, 1821. 2, Life of Sir Humphry Davy,' London, 2 vols. 8vo. 3, Notes on the Ionian Islands and Malta,' London, 2 vole. 8vo, 1842. 4, 'The West Indies before and since Slave Emancipation,' London, 1 voL 8vo. 5, ' The Angler and his Friend,' 1 vol. 8vo.
Dr. Davy's physiological researches have been principally published in the 'Philosophical Transactions,' the Transactions' of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Medico-Chirurgical Society. He has also published two volumes entitled 'Researches Physiological and Anatomical,' London, 8vo, 1839. It is almost impossible to give
in a few words an idea of the extent and variety of these researches. They embrace a wide field of observation, and afford abundant evidence of a highly cultivated mind and habits of accurate obser vation. The subject of animal heat has perhaps been more illustrated by Dr. Davy's researches than any other on which he has written. The title of some of his papers will show the range of his physical enquiries. ' On the Specific Gravity of different parts of the Human Body,' An Account of some Experiments and Observations on the Torpedo," On the early Generative Power of the Goat,' On the Com position of the Colostrum," Miscellaneous Observations on Blood and Milk.' The sciences of meteorology and geology have both received valuable contributions from the pen of Dr. Davy. In all his researches be has displayed an intimate acquaintance with the science of chemistry, and one of his most recent works consists of a series of 'Lectures on the Study of Chemistry,' in which this science is regarded in its relations to the atmosphere, the earth, the ocean, and the art of agriculture.