One of the most famous and recognisable figures in the world is the British scientist Michael Faraday. He made an extremely important contribution to the study of electrochemistry and electromagnetism. His achievements are known all over the world and remain relevant even today. Moreover, another famous physicist Albert Einstein had a photo of Michael Faraday on his desk. Faraday introduced the concept of the electromagnetic field in physics. That’s why he is so famous. How did he manage to achieve such success in science? What is known about the outstanding scientist? What was his professional and personal life? Learn more at london-future.
Self-education and scientific future
Michael Faraday was born in Newington Butts (which is the part of modern London) on September 22, 1791. Although his family wasn’t very well off, the boy, who was the third child out of four in the family, received a basic school education. However, in general, most of the time he studied on his own. Nobody could imagine that the boy would become a famous scientist in the future. He was an ordinary child from the village, who most likely would follow the life of his parents. However, Michael turned from the beaten track when he became an apprentice to local bookbinder George Riebau. It would seem nothing special, but that’s how a fourteen-year-old boy got access to the most unique treasure, books. He read a lot at work. This also gave rise to his interest in science, especially electricity. Later, he attended various lectures at the City Philosophical Society. Michael wrote a 300-page book of notes at the lectures of the English chemist Humphry Davy and then sent it to him. The scientist was very impressed. In 1813, when Humphry Davy accidentally damaged his eyesight with nitrogen trichloride, he offered Michael to be his assistant. This is how his difficult and interesting path in science began.
Further life
Michael Faraday’s contribution to science is huge. He became best known for his study of electricity and magnetism. The scientist conducted experiments with electromagnetic rotation, studied the relation of light and magnetism, discovered the phenomenon of mutual inductance, discovered benzene and generally devoted his life to science. His knowledge and skills impressed many scientists from other countries of the world. In 1832, he was elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 1838, Michael Faraday became a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. In 1844, he was offered membership in the French Academy of Sciences. This is only a small part of the famous organisations that were impressed by the scientist’s talent. In addition, he cooperated with the Royal Institution of Great Britain for a long time. In 1824, he was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society, and the following year, he became Director of the Laboratory of the Royal Institution. After a long time of hard work, Michael Faraday became the first Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. This position was given to him for life and the scientist was freed from lecturing.
Despite the high achievements, the scientist often refused privileges. Michael Faraday was a Christian. He was quite serious about the church and the general concept of religion. Faraday even refused a knighthood for religious reasons, believing that the accumulation of wealth and the pursuit of worldly rewards were contrary to the biblical commandments. For the same reason, he refused the position of President of the Royal Society twice.
