Humphry Davy vs William Shockley

Who Was the Greater Genius? A Complete Comparison

Humphry Davy
IQ185
Born1778
Died1829
OriginPenzance, Cornwall, England
Known ForElectrolysis, aluminium, sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, magnesium, bariu
VS
William Shockley
IQ175
Born1910
Died1989
OriginGreater London, England,United Kingdom
Known ForPoint-contact transistor and GJT <br> Diffused-base transistor <br> Heterojuncti

About Humphry Davy

Cornish chemist & inventor who invented the Davy lamp and a very early form of arc lamp.

Read full biography of Humphry Davy → · In-Depth Article →

About William Shockley

An American physicist and inventor who won the Nobel Prize for researches on semiconductors and their discovery of the transistor effect.

THE FREE TEST
How high is yours?

Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.

Take the IQ test →

Read full biography of William Shockley → · In-Depth Article →

The Verdict

Based on estimated IQ scores, Humphry Davy (IQ 185) ranks higher than William Shockley (IQ 175). However, both made extraordinary contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who had a higher IQ — Humphry Davy or William Shockley?

Humphry Davy had an estimated IQ of 185 while William Shockley had an estimated IQ of 175.

What is each genius known for?

Humphry Davy is known for: Electrolysis, aluminium, sodium, potassium, calcium, strontium, magnesium, barium, boron, Davy lamp. William Shockley is known for: Point-contact transistor and GJT <br> Diffused-base transistor <br> Heterojunction bipolar transistor <br> Thyristor.

Are both considered geniuses?

Yes. Both Humphry Davy and William Shockley are universally regarded as among history's greatest intellects.

Full Profile: Humphry DavyFull Profile: William Shockley

← Browse all genius comparisons | IQ Rankings

01 · VS

Trending Comparisons

02 · TOP 100

Top IQ Rankings

03 · PRODIGIES

Child prodigies

Child prodigies →
04 · WORLD

Explore geniuses by country

Play & come back tomorrow

Daily Genius Challenge · Genius trivia
Which prodigy composed music from age 5 and toured Europe as a child?
Tap your answer ↓
Which Genius Are You? Free IQ Test