Michael Faraday was an English scientist born on September 22, 1791 in Newington Butts. Best known for his breakthroughs in the field of electromagnetism, Faraday was praised by many famous scientists such as Albert Einstein.
Early life
Faraday, along with three other siblings, grew up in struggling family headed by his father James who was a blacksmith. Financial situation in the Faraday family allowed young Michael little or no formal education.
Education
At the age of fourteen, Michael Faraday became an apprentice to a local book binder named George Riebau. Being surrounded by books, Faraday started reading and educating him self. Over his seven year long apprenticeship, Faraday developed an interest in electricity and chemistry. After turning 20, Michael Faraday became an assistant to Humphry Davy , a prominent chemist of the Royal Institution and Royal Society. With Davy, Faraday was introduced to European scientific society, and was able to devote him self to scientific research.
Achievements
Although he has spent a respectable amount of time in research of chemistry, Faraday is best known today for his achievements in the field of electromagnetism. After the Danish physicist and chemist Hans Christian Ørsted discovered the phenomenon of electromagnetism, Faraday has created what is now knows as the homopolar motor, thus setting the foundation of modern day electromagnetism. Years later in 1831, he started his series of experiments which will ultimately lead to the discovery of electromagnetic induction. Next big breakthrough was the discovery of diamagnetism and what is today knows as the Faraday cage effect.
Later life
After his repeated success in the field of electromagnetism, Michael Faraday became a figure of authority within the British scientific community. He enjoyed memberships of both Swedish and French scientific societies but refused to take a roll with Royal Society. He was also offered knighthood which he refused. Faraday died at his house on 25 August 1867 at the age of 75. He was buried at Highgate cemetary.
Michael Faraday quotes
“Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature.”
“The important thing is to know how to take all things quietly.”
“But I must confess I am jealous of the term atom; for though it is very easy to talk of atoms, it is very difficult to form a clear idea of their nature, especially when compounded bodies are under consideration.” share