Sir H. Davy, printer's sample for the World's Inventors souvenir album (A25) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a printer's sample for a souvenir album card of Sir H. Davy made by Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. These cards, popular in the late 19th century, reflect the era's fascination with progress and its cultural biases. The representation of Sir H. Davy, a celebrated scientist, embodies the values of the time, particularly its emphasis on white, male achievement. As a society, we placed these figures on pedestals, often overlooking the contributions of women and people of color in scientific advancements. How does this influence our understanding of the history of innovation and discovery? The cigarette card format itself speaks to a specific cultural context. The commercialization of figures like Davy highlights the intersections of science, industry, and consumer culture. Consider the emotional and personal dimensions of hero-worship and how they intersect with societal structures. This card asks us to consider the stories we tell about progress and who gets to be a hero. What narratives are amplified, and whose contributions remain in the shadows?