Michael Faraday

Michael Faraday was born to James and Margaret Faraday in Newington Butts, near London. His family was poor, and his father was a blacksmith who suffered from ill health.

At the age of 13, Faraday was apprenticed to a bookbinder and bookseller, George Riebau. This exposure to a wide range of books sparked his interest in science and self-education.

Faraday attended a series of lectures by the renowned chemist Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution. He took detailed notes and later sent them to Davy, seeking a position as his assistant.

Impressed by Faraday's notes, Humphry Davy hired him as a laboratory assistant at the Royal Institution. This marked the beginning of Faraday's formal scientific career.

Faraday published his discovery of electromagnetic rotation, the principle behind the electric motor. This was a significant breakthrough in the field of electromagnetism.

Faraday married Sarah Barnard, a close friend from his youth. Their marriage was a happy and supportive partnership, though they had no children.

Faraday was appointed Director of the Laboratory at the Royal Institution, a position he held until his retirement. This role allowed him to conduct extensive research and experiments.

Faraday discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is the basis for the operation of transformers and generators. This was one of his most significant contributions to science.

Faraday was appointed the first Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution, a position he held for life. He continued to conduct groundbreaking research and deliver lectures.

At the age of 67, Faraday retired from active research and public lectures, though he continued to advise and mentor younger scientists.

Michael Faraday died at his home in Hampton Court, surrounded by his family. He was buried in Highgate Cemetery, and his legacy in science continues to inspire generations of scientists.