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The life & science of Michael Faraday
18 September @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Michael Faraday was one of the most influential scientists in history. He was born in London in 1791 into an impoverished family and received very little formal education before becoming apprenticed to a bookbinder. Through a friend of the bookbinder he was able to attend a lecture at the Royal Institution given by Sir Humphry Davy and shortly afterward became his scientific assistant.
Faraday carried out important scientific research into electromagnetism, the conduction of electricity in solids, liquids and gases, the distinction between paramagnetism and diamagnetism, important chemical and optical researches, and much else. His work led directly and indirectly to many applications in both chemistry and physics, and played a large part in enabling the practical use of electricity. He refused many honours; a highly principled man he said “I have always loved science more than money & because my occupation is almost entirely personal I cannot afford to get rich.”
Dr Peter Ford MBE, FInstP, BRLSI member, formerly member of the Physics Department (University of Bath), chair of the William Herschel Society for nine years and awarded MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List 2008 for services to higher education and science.
