A cursory inquiry into some of the principal causes of mortality among children. With a view to assist in ameliorating the state of the rising generation, in health, morals, and happiness. To which is added an account of the universal dispensary for sick indigent children.

Davis called attention to the high infant mortality rate, especially in London. His suggestion that poor mothers should be instructed in the care of their infants resulted in a system of health-visiting by benevolent ladies. He founded a dispensary for sick and indigent children at St. Andrew’s Hill, London, in 1816; this was later removed to the Waterloo Road and eventually became the Royal Waterloo Hospital for Children and Women.