Francis Davies was born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1897. After preclinical studies at University College, Cardiff he entered University College, London and qualified in 1922. He was awarded the MD in 1926 and the DSc in 1933. For his scientific contributions he was elected FRS Edinburgh in 1939, and FRCS in 1953. After house appointments at University College Hospital he embarked on a career in anatomy first at University College, then as Reader at King's College, London, and finally as Professor of Anatomy at Sheffield in 1935. He served as external examiner in anatomy at a number of universities, and during 1942-43 was a Vice-President of the Anatomical Society. For his valuable contributions to knowledge of the conducting system of the heart he was awarded the Symington Prize of the Society. In the second world war he served as Battalion MO to the Home Guard with the rank of Major. Davies was a Hunterian Professor at the College in 1941 and Arris and Gale Lecturer for 1944-45. From 1942 onwards he revised sections of *Gray's Anatomy* and became a co-editor of the 32nd edition. Davies was an excellent teacher, his lectures were masterly, and he had considerable administrative ability. In 1946 he was elected the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Sheffield. In his earlier years he was a keen golfer and motorist, till ill health incapacitated him. Eventually he retired to Barry on the coast of Glamorgan but his retirement was marred by a long and painful illness. He died at his home in Barry in March 1965 at the age of 67, survived by his wife.