Michael Faraday

Overview

Michael Faraday, born into humble beginnings, rose to become one of the most influential scientists in history. His groundbreaking work in electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the foundation for much of modern technology, transforming our understanding of the relationship between electricity and magnetism. This timeline highlights key moments in his life and career, tracing his remarkable journey from a bookbinder's apprentice to a scientific luminary.

Main Milestones

Birth in Newington Butts, Surrey

September 22, 1791

Michael Faraday was born in Newington Butts, Surrey, England, into a poor family. His father was a blacksmith, and the family struggled financially. Faraday's limited formal education would be a stark contrast to his future intellectual achievements.

Apprenticeship to a Bookbinder

1805

At the age of 14, Faraday was apprenticed to George Riebau, a local bookbinder and bookseller. This seemingly mundane job proved pivotal. It provided him with access to a vast array of books, which he devoured, educating himself in science and other subjects. He meticulously read the Encyclopaedia Britannica, particularly articles on electricity, and conducted simple experiments based on what he learned.

Attending Humphry Davy's Lectures

1812

Faraday attended a series of lectures by the renowned chemist Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution. He was so inspired that he meticulously transcribed his notes and bound them into a book, which he then presented to Davy as an example of his work. This bold move eventually led to his employment at the Royal Institution.

Appointment at the Royal Institution

1813

Davy hired Faraday as a laboratory assistant at the Royal Institution. This was a turning point in Faraday's life, allowing him to dedicate himself fully to scientific research, initially under Davy's supervision. He accompanied Davy on a continental tour from 1813-1815, gaining invaluable experience and exposure to the European scientific community.

Early Chemical Discoveries

1820s

Before his major breakthroughs in electromagnetism, Faraday made significant contributions to chemistry. He discovered benzene in 1825 and conducted early work on chlorine chemistry, including the liquefaction of gases. These achievements established him as a respected scientist in his own right.

Discovery of Electromagnetic Induction

1831

Faraday's most famous discovery was electromagnetic induction. He demonstrated that a changing magnetic field could induce an electric current in a nearby circuit. This principle is the basis for electric generators and transformers, fundamentally changing how electricity is produced and used. He achieved this by winding two insulated coils around an iron ring. When he passed a current through one coil, a momentary current was induced in the other coil.

Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution

1833

Faraday was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution, recognizing his immense contributions to science. This position provided him with greater resources and freedom to pursue his research interests.

Breakdown due to overwork

1839

Faraday suffered a nervous breakdown due to overwork. He struggled with memory loss and other cognitive issues, which impacted his research output for a time. Although he eventually recovered somewhat, he never regained his former vigor.

Development of the concept of Electromagnetic Field

1840s - 1850s

Faraday further developed the concept of lines of force, which later led to the development of the electromagnetic field theory. He visualized magnetic and electric forces as emanating from objects and permeating space, a concept that was revolutionary at the time and crucial for the future development of physics, particularly by James Clerk Maxwell.

Discovery of the Faraday Effect

1845

Faraday discovered the Faraday effect, demonstrating that a strong magnetic field could rotate the plane of polarization of light passing through certain materials. This discovery provided the first experimental evidence of a relationship between light and electromagnetism, laying the groundwork for later theories of electromagnetism and optics.

Death in Hampton Court

August 25, 1867

Michael Faraday died at his home in Hampton Court, London, on August 25, 1867. He left behind a legacy of groundbreaking scientific discoveries that continue to shape our world. He is regarded as one of the greatest experimental scientists of all time.