by Clay Lane

Mr Faraday

Faraday’s work on electromagnetism made him an architect of modern living, and one of Albert Einstein’s three most revered physicists.

1791-1867

King George III 1760-1820 to Queen Victoria 1837-1901

Introduction

American physicist Albert Einstein kept three portraits on his wall, men who had inspired his own world-changing study of physics. They were all British: Sir Isaac Newton, James Clerk Maxwell, and Michael Faraday (1791-1867).

by Clay Lane

YOUNG Michael Faraday worked in a bookshop, so he had plenty to read. He did not spurn his good fortune, and was especially fascinated by science and electricity.

One customer, the eminent pianist William Dance, spotted Michael’s enthusiasm and sent him tickets to Sir Humphrey Davy’s lectures on popular science. Michael introduced himself to Davy, who took the twenty-one-year-old on as his assistant in 1813, and afterwards liked to call Michael his greatest scientific discovery.

A world without Faraday is hard to imagine. In 1831, he discovered electromagnetic induction, the principle behind the motor in devices from washing machines to trains. In 1833, he demonstrated electrolysis, the same process which today harnesses electricity to extract metals and gases for use in construction, plastics, healthcare, sanitation and space exploration.

In 1839, the stresses of overwork forced Faraday to spend six years in frustrating semi-retirement. When at last he returned to active research, it was to lay the foundations of modern physics.

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Précis

Despite having little more scientific training than he could read for himself in the bookshop where he worked, Michael Faraday was taken on as an assistant by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1813. He justified the trust placed in him by making a series of historic discoveries, including electromagnetism and electrolysis, until unexpectedly interrupted by ill health in 1839.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

How could Michael afford tickets to Davy’s lectures?

Suggestion

A well-wisher bought them on his behalf.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Michael worked in a bookshop. He went to Sir Humphrey Davy’s lectures. A customer gave him the tickets.

Clay Lane The Copybook