Michael Faraday: Physics and Faith

Oxford Portraits in Science

by Colin Archibald Russell

Michael Faraday (1791-1867), the son of a blacksmith, described his education as "little more than the rudiments of reading, writing, and arithmetic at a common day-school." Yet from such basics, he became one of the most prolific and wide-ranging experimental scientists who ever lived. As a bookbinder's apprentice with a voracious appetite for learning, he read every book he got his hands on. In 1812 he attended a series of chemistry lectures by Sir Humphry Davy at London's prestigious Royal Institution. He took copious and careful notes, and, in the hopes of landing a scientific job, bound them and sent them to the lecturer. Davy was impressed enough to hire the 21-year-old as a laboratory assistant.

In his first decade at the Institution, Faraday discovered benzene, isobutylene, and two chlorides of carbon. But despite these and other accomplishments in chemistry, he is chiefly remembered for his work in physics. In 1831 he proved that magnetism could generate an electric current, thereby establishing the field of electromagnetism and leading to the invention of the dynamo. In addition to his extraordinary scientific activities, Faraday was a leader in his church, whose faith and wish to serve guided him throughout his career. An engaging public speaker, he gave popular lectures on scientific subjects, and helped found a tradition of scientific education for children and laypeople that continues to this day.

Oxford Portraits in Science is an ongoing series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

Genres: Biography, Science

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 4, 2000

Reviews

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is high school level reading material about an important person in the history of science. The biography also details his internal religious conflicts and how Faraday was a rebel of established religion while remaining personally religious. He was courageous by refusing worldly honors to retain his integrity.

[Purva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short yet very interesting read about a simple, tough and inexplicably fine scientist. This short books holds and explains all those times in the life of a scientist that an amateur like me would like to know about. I found it immensely pleasing and worthy of time to learn about Faraday. His experimental work is explained in juvenile language much in the same manner as he delivered his lectures. I am so impressed by this man, his love for science and the organization of his work. His note-taking skills, his development of new experiments and never dying search for answers related to nature in spite of ailing memory is an inspiration. He started from a simple background, worked his way up and gained recognition but still stayed the same simple scientist that he was at heart. As he told his friend Tyndall, " I must remain plain Michael Faraday to the last."

Again, his niceness is reflected in the fact that he never patented any of his inventions. I do not know why but I hold a special regard and deep respect for scientists who do not patent their work. They are not bothered by recognition and money and these are the people that really take humanity forward in all aspects. This is why I really admire Tesla, Franklin and their likes! And I believe these kind of acts that make them closer to reality and nature.

I borrowed this book from the library and I do not want to return it. I am going to have to get a copy of my own! :)

[Patrick Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short biography of Faraday's life and accomplishments. I enjoyed most of it. It did get a little over my head once it started waxing poetic about the technical side of some of his experiments. But beside that, I am amazed at the conviction this man had both to his chosen subject of study and his faith. Truly an inspiration.