Michael Faraday

Easton Press Michael Faraday books

Works of Michael Faraday - Harvard Classics - 1993

Franklin Library Michael Faraday books

Works of Michael Faraday, Joseph Fourier and Antoine Lavoisier - Great Books of the Western World - 1985

Michael Faraday biography

Michael Faraday, born on September 22, 1791, in Newington Butts, a suburb of London, England, was a pioneering British scientist whose contributions to the fields of physics and chemistry laid the foundation for many technological advancements. Despite coming from a humble background, Faraday's curiosity, determination, and passion for science propelled him to become one of the most influential figures in the history of science. Faraday's formal education was limited, and at the age of 14, he became an apprentice to a local bookbinder. However, his interest in science led him to read widely, attending lectures and immersing himself in the works of prominent scientists of the time. In 1812, he attended a series of lectures by Sir Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution, which inspired him to pursue a career in science. Recognizing Faraday's potential, Davy hired him as an assistant at the Royal Institution in 1813. Faraday's meticulous experimental skills and keen intellect quickly earned him respect in the scientific community. Over the years, he made several groundbreaking discoveries and advancements.

One of Faraday's most notable contributions was his work on electromagnetism. In 1821, he demonstrated that a magnetic field could induce an electric current, laying the groundwork for the principle of electromagnetic induction. This discovery paved the way for the development of the electric generator. Faraday also introduced the concept of magnetic lines of force, now known as magnetic field lines. In addition to his work on electromagnetism, Faraday conducted extensive research on electrolysis, discovering the laws governing the deposition of metals during the electroplating process. His work on electrolysis also led to the identification of several fundamental concepts in electrochemistry.

Faraday's commitment to public science education was evident through his Christmas Lectures at the Royal Institution, aimed at explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience. His engaging and accessible teaching style made science more approachable for the public. Despite lacking formal mathematical training, Faraday's insights and experiments inspired later scientists, including James Clerk Maxwell, who mathematically formalized Faraday's ideas, leading to the development of Maxwell's equations and the unification of electricity and magnetism. Michael Faraday's contributions earned him numerous honors and awards, including the Copley Medal and the Royal Society's Royal Medal. He declined offers of knighthood, remaining dedicated to his research until his health declined. Faraday passed away on August 25, 1867, leaving a lasting legacy as a scientific pioneer and a key figure in the development of modern physics and chemistry.

On The Various Forces Of Nature

Six lectures on gravitation, cohesion, chemical affinity, heat, magnetism, and electricity delivered by the author to a juvenile audience during the Christmas holidays of 1859-1860. A fascinating introduction to some of Faraday's most important work on the correlation between the physical forces of the universe. The subjects include the components, function, and weight of the atmosphere; capillary attraction; the carbon content in oxygen and living bodies; respiration and its analogy to the burning of a candle; and much more.