Subscribe to this blog's feedNow here’s an intriguing historical tale. Back in 1808, scientist Sir Humphrey Davy, who did early work on electricity and was a mentor of Michael Faraday, was awarded a medal by Napoleon for his contribution to science.
This despite the fact that France was at war with England at the time. The medal was not collected. But in 1813, Sir Humphrey decided to make the perilous trip to la belle France to collect said gong.
Davy, his wife and his assistant Faraday crossed the Channel but were arrested in Morlaix in Brittany.
However, word was sent from Paris approving the trip and the UK party was released and made its way to the French capital. There, Davy received the medal from Napoleon’s wife Marie Louise.
So, where is the medal now? The fact is, no one knows and the Royal Society of Chemistry is offering a reward of £1,808
(geddit?) to anyone who can shed light on its whereabouts.
Time to check the attic, thinks Disconnector (who is indebted
to the ENA newsletter for this particular tale).
