Michael Faraday was a pivotal figure in the history of science, known for his contributions to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. Born on September 22, 1791, in Newington Butts, London, Faraday came from a modest background. His father, James Faraday, was a blacksmith, and his mother, Margaret Hastwell, was from a farming family. Despite limited formal education, Faraday's curiosity and talent led him to become one of the most influential scientists of the 19th century.
Faraday's education was limited to basic reading, writing, and arithmetic at a local school. At the age of 14, he became an apprentice to George Riebau, a bookbinder, where he developed a love for reading. His interest in science was sparked by the books he bound, particularly the Encyclopaedia Britannica and lectures by Humphry Davy. Faraday eventually wrote to Davy seeking employment, and after Davy injured himself in a laboratory accident, he hired Faraday as his assistant.
Faraday's work laid the groundwork for many modern technologies, and his ideas about fields were crucial in the development of classical electromagnetism. He was an excellent experimentalist, with a profound ability to visualize physical phenomena. His work not only influenced science but also helped bridge the gap between the theoretical and the practical applications of science.
Despite his lack of formal education, Faraday received numerous honors, including membership in the Royal Society in 1824, and he was awarded the Copley Medal in 1832 and 1838. He was also offered knighthood, which he declined. Faraday's legacy continues through institutions like the Faraday Institute and Michael Faraday Memorial in London.