Michael Faraday was one of the most influential scientists in the history of physics and chemistry, born on September 22, 1791, in Newington Butts, which is now part of the London Borough of Southwark, England. He died on August 25, 1867, in Hampton Court, Middlesex. Here's an overview of his life and contributions:
Faraday was born into a poor family, and his formal education was limited. At the age of 14, he started working as an apprentice to a bookbinder and bookseller. This job exposed him to a wide array of books, which sparked his interest in science. His self-education continued through reading and experimenting with materials he could find or buy cheaply.
In 1812, Faraday attended lectures by the eminent English chemist Humphry Davy. He managed to secure an invitation to the Royal Institution by sending Davy the notes he had taken from these lectures. After an accident left Davy temporarily blinded, Faraday was employed as his assistant. In 1813, he accompanied Davy on a European tour, which exposed him to the scientific community of the time, including meetings with luminaries like Alessandro Volta and André-Marie Ampère.
Despite his contributions, Faraday never received a formal degree, but his work was recognized through numerous awards and honors. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1824 and was awarded the Royal Medal in 1835 and 1846. In 1857, he refused the offer of knighthood, preferring to remain "plain Mr. Faraday".
Faraday's impact on science is profound. His work not only advanced the understanding of electromagnetism but also laid the groundwork for many modern technologies. His name has been honored in various ways: