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RefNoMS/949
LevelFile
TitleBook of Common Prayer, owned by Humphry Davy
CreatorDavy; Sir Humphry, baronet (1778-1829); British chemist and inventor
Date1771-1793
DescriptionThe book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the Church of England; together with the psalter or psalms of David, pointed as they are to be sung in churches (Oxford, printed by T. Wright and W. Gill, printers to the University...1771).

Volume presented to Humphry Davy by his early patron, the surgeon and town mayor John Tonkin (bap.1721/2, d.1801). Signed, with some notes, on the inner fly-leaf: 'Humphry Davy Penzance Janry 1793'. The signature of John Tonkin appears on the title page, scored through, replaced by 'Humpy. Davy'. An additional signature heads the contents page, 'Humphry Davy. 1793'. The book marks the beginning of Davy's attendance at Truro Grammar School, at the age of fourteen in January 1793, supported financially by John Tonkin.

The book has an inserted manuscript sheet: '13th October 1958. This prayer-book of Sir Humphrey Davy when a boy was given to me, Oenone Johnson née Rashleigh, by Sir Arthur Russell Bart. of Swallowfield Park. He bought it 30 years ago from Bridger, bookseller of Penzance who got it from a member of the Fox family at Falmouth'. The inner board has the small printed label: 'J.A.D. Bridger, Bookseller, new and second-hand, Market Jew St., Penzanze'.
Extent1 volume
FormatPrinted
Manuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper. Full calf binding with gilded line decoration.
Dimensions137x81mm.
AccessStatusOpen
ProvenancePurchased, 20 March 2023.
Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA8200Davy; Sir; Humphry (1778 - 1829); chemist1778 - 1829
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