Profile of the Day: Michael Faraday

English physicist Michael Faraday was born on September 22, 1791 in Newington, Surrey. Considered one of the greatest scientists of the 19th century, Faraday’s groundbreaking discoveries in electromagnetism was crucial to understanding how electricity can be used in technology.

Faraday was the son of James Faraday, a blacksmith, and Margaret Hastwell, a former servant. His father was often ill and was incapable of maintaining steady work. As a result, the family lived in poverty and often had trouble keeping food on the table. Faraday only received the most basic education, and so he educated himself by reading books about science.

He was introduced to the scientific community when he was hired as an assistant by well-respected English chemist Humphry Davy of the Royal Institution. As he continued to work for the Royal Institution, he had the opportunity to work with other scientists. An excellent experimenter and inventor, Faraday’s work would lead to the discovery of electromagnetic induction, the principle behind the electric motor and generator. His discovery significantly changed the future of science and opened up the possibilities of using electricity as a powerful tool in technology.

Faraday died on August 25, 1867 at the age of 75.

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