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Michael Faraday
1791–1867 · Physicist & Chemist
A largely self-taught physicist and chemist whose experiments in electricity, magnetism and chemistry helped lay the foundations of modern electrical technology.
“Nothing is too wonderful to be true, if it be consistent with the laws of nature.”
Why is this scientist famous?
Discovered electromagnetic induction and created pioneering devices that became the foundations of the electric motor, transformer and generator.
Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction — the production of an electric current through changing magnetic conditions. This principle became fundamental to electric generators and transformers. His earlier experiments in electromagnetic rotation also produced the first electric motor. Together, these discoveries helped lay the foundations of modern electrical technology.
Michael's story
Humble Beginnings
Michael Faraday was born in Newington Butts, now part of South London, in 1791. His father was a blacksmith and the family lived in modest circumstances. Faraday received little formal schooling and, at about 14, began an apprenticeship with the bookbinder George Riebau. While working there, he read scientific books and developed a strong interest in chemistry and electricity.
A Lucky Break
A customer gave Faraday tickets to attend Humphry Davy's lectures at the Royal Institution. Faraday took meticulous notes, bound them into a book, and sent it to Davy. Impressed, Davy hired him as a laboratory assistant. Faraday joined the Royal Institution as a laboratory assistant in 1813 and later became Director of its Laboratory and Fullerian Professor of Chemistry, building an independent scientific career of his own.
Electromagnetic Induction
In 1831, Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. His experiments showed that changing magnetic conditions could induce an electric current in a nearby conductor. He built an induction ring that became an early transformer and later constructed an early electric generator. These discoveries became fundamental to the generation and transformation of electrical power.
Fields and Light
Faraday developed the idea of magnetic and electric lines of force, helping establish the physical concept of fields. James Clerk Maxwell later expressed related electromagnetic ideas mathematically, building on Faraday's experimental insights. Faraday also discovered that light is affected by magnetism, linking two seemingly separate phenomena.
What did they discover?
Electromagnetic Induction
Discovered electromagnetic induction, showing that changing magnetic conditions can produce an electric current and providing the operating principle behind generators and transformers.
The Electric Motor
Demonstrated continuous electromagnetic rotation in 1821, producing what the Royal Institution describes as the world's first electric motor.
Benzene
Discovered benzene, one of the most important compounds in organic chemistry, which later became fundamental to the chemical industry.
Electromagnetic Fields
Developed the idea of lines of force and electromagnetic fields, concepts that strongly influenced James Clerk Maxwell's later mathematical theory of electromagnetism.
Amazing facts
He received little formal education and was not trained in advanced mathematics, yet became one of history's most influential experimental scientists.
He began working for bookbinder George Riebau at about 13 and started a formal bookbinding apprenticeship at 14, developing his interest in science by reading books in the shop.
He twice declined the presidency of the Royal Society. Although he said he would not accept a knighthood, the Royal Institution notes that there is no evidence one was ever formally offered to him.
Faraday experienced periods of ill health and problems with memory later in life, which sometimes forced him to reduce his scientific work.
The farad, the unit of electrical capacitance, is named after him.
In 1821, his electromagnetic rotation experiment produced continuous motion from electricity, an early device described by the Royal Institution as the world's first electric motor.
Timeline
Born in Newington, Surrey (now South London) on September 22
Apprenticed to a bookbinder at age 14
Attended Humphry Davy's lectures and later sent Davy a bound copy of his lecture notes
Appointed laboratory assistant at the Royal Institution
Demonstrated electromagnetic rotation, producing continuous motion from electricity
Discovered benzene and became director of the Royal Institution laboratory
Discovered electromagnetic induction and developed early transformer and generator apparatus
Invented the Faraday cage, which blocks electromagnetic fields
Discovered that magnetism affects light (the Faraday effect)
Died at Hampton Court on August 25, age 75
Awards & honours
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