NEGATIVE GEOLOGY: HUMPHRY DAVY AND FORMING THE ROYAL INSTITUTION'S MINERAL COLLECTION, 1803–1806

Abstract

This paper discusses Humphry Davy's geological interests and the formation of the Royal Institution's mineral collection during the early nineteenth century. Compared to other aspects of Davy and the Royal Institution, both these topics have been comparatively neglected in historical studies. The evidence supports the argument that applying scientific knowledge and method to practical problems was very difficult at the time. This suggests, despite the hopes entertained for it, that geology and mineralogy did not then contribute to the process of industrialisation, except in a negative manner. This failure may explain why the Royal Institution did not develop its mineral collection following initial enthusiasm.