Edward Davy, M.R.C.S.,
WHOSE name has been before the public recently as the discoverer of the "relay" system, which had an important influence in developing the electric telegraph, died at Malmsbury, Victoria, Jan. 26, 1885. He was born at Ottery, St. Mary's, Devon, June 16, 1806. His father was a surgeon, practising at that place, and he received his education there. In his sixteenth year he was articled to Mr. C. Wheeler, resident medical officer at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, with whom he lived three years. He gained the prize for botany at the annual herborising in 1825, passed the Apothecaries' Hall in 1828, and the Royal College of Surgeons in 1829. The next few years of his life were spent in the practice of his profession. In 1836 he first experimented in electric telegraphy, and attracted considerable attention by his early inventions, and their importance in developing its practical use. In 1839 Mr. Davy emigrated to South Australia, going out in medical charge of an immigrant vessel. He contemplated pastoral pursuits, but soon abandoned the idea, and in 1843-4-5 was engaged as editor of the Adelaide Examiner. In 1848 he undertook the management of the Yatala Smelting Works (copper), and carried it on successfully for about three years, when the gold discoveries in Victoria caused an exodus of the population, and the closing of this as well as other establishments. In 1852 the Government Assay Office was established in Adelaide, and Edward Davy had the operative charge. Gold tokens were here coined, the first of the kind in Australia. Their circulation was an important fiscal advantage, and kept up the value of gold in Australia. The great success of this establishment caused Davy to be invited by the Victorian Government to organise and take the management of a similar establishment in Melbourne. The offer, unfortunately for him, was too tempting to be refused. He only enjoyed the
