Michael Faraday was born on September 22, 1791, in Newington Butts, which is now part of South London.1)
Faraday came from a poor family; his father was a blacksmith.2)
Faraday received only a basic education and learned to read and write at a local church Sunday school.3)
At the age of 14, Faraday was apprenticed to a local bookbinder and bookseller, George Riebau.4)
During his apprenticeship, Faraday developed a keen interest in science by reading books that came into the shop.5)
One of the books that greatly influenced him was “The Improvement of the Mind” by Isaac Watts.6)
Faraday attended lectures by the renowned chemist Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution, which sparked his interest in chemistry and physics.7)
Faraday sent Davy a 300-page book of notes that he had taken during his lectures, which led to Davy hiring him as his assistant.8)
Faraday began working at the Royal Institution in 1813, initially as a chemical assistant.9)
In 1813-1815, Faraday accompanied Davy on a European tour, meeting many of the leading scientists of the day.10)
Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction in 1831, demonstrating that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current.11)
Faraday invented the Faraday Cage, an enclosure used to block electric fields, which is still widely used today.12)
This discovery led to what is now known as Faraday's Law of Induction, fundamental to the principles of electromagnetism.13)
Faraday formulated the laws of electrolysis, which describe the behavior of ions during electrochemical reactions.14)
He coined several scientific terms, including “anode,” “cathode,” “electrode,” and “ion.”15)
Faraday discovered diamagnetism, a form of magnetism that opposes an applied magnetic field.16)
He discovered benzene, an important organic chemical compound, in 1825.17)
Faraday was known for his ability to explain complex scientific concepts to the general public and gave numerous popular lectures, including the famous Christmas Lectures for young people.18)
Despite his significant contributions to physics, Faraday had little formal mathematical training and preferred to think visually.19)
Faraday was a devout member of the Sandemanian Church, a Christian sect, and his faith deeply influenced his life and work.20)
Faraday was a master of simple, elegant experiments that clearly demonstrated scientific principles.21)
He discovered the Faraday Effect, which is the rotation of the plane of polarization of light in a magnetic field.22)
Faraday built one of the first electric motors, demonstrating the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy.23)
He served as a scientific advisor to the British government on numerous occasions, including on the safety of lighthouses and the protection of ships from lightning.24)
Faraday's work laid the groundwork for the development of electrical engineering and technology.25)
Faraday was largely self-taught, learning through reading, experimentation, and mentorship.26)
Despite his fame, Faraday lived modestly and turned down offers of knighthood and a burial in Westminster Abbey.27)
The Faraday constant, which represents the charge of one mole of electrons, is named in his honor.28)
Faraday suffered from a nervous breakdown in the mid-1830s and struggled with poor health throughout his life.29)
Faraday was known for his scientific integrity and rigorous experimental methods.30)
Despite his numerous achievements, Faraday remained humble and dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge.31)
He married Sarah Barnard in 1821, and they had a long and happy marriage, though they had no children.32)
Faraday introduced the concept of magnetic field lines to visualize and describe the behavior of magnetic fields.33)
Faraday was known for his charming and approachable personality, making him a beloved figure in the scientific community.34)
He conducted many of his experiments in a specially designed dark room to better observe chemical reactions.35)
Faraday received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Royal Medal, the Copley Medal, and the Rumford Medal.36)
He published numerous scientific papers, many of which are still studied today for their insights and clarity.37)
Faraday mentored many young scientists and was always willing to share his knowledge and experience.38)
The Royal Institution's Christmas Lectures, which Faraday initiated, continue to this day, inspiring generations of young scientists.39)
Faraday's public demonstrations of science, including the liquefaction of gases and the creation of new compounds, captivated audiences.40)
He made significant contributions to photochemistry, the study of chemical reactions caused by light.41)
Faraday's work is considered foundational in the field of electrical engineering, influencing the design of electric generators and transformers.42)
Several institutions and places are named after Faraday, including the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion and the Faraday Building in London.43)
James Clerk Maxwell, another giant in the field of electromagnetism, was greatly influenced by Faraday's work, particularly his field theory.44)
Michael Faraday died on August 25, 1867, in Hampton Court, Surrey, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of science and beyond.45)