The Legacy of Michael Faraday: A Self-Taught Scientist Who Changed the World of Science

From Humble Beginnings to Electromagnetic Discoveries and Beyond

Michael Faraday is one of the most notable scientists in history. Born in 1791 in London, England, Faraday’s humble beginnings could not have hinted at the legacy he would leave behind. He was a self-taught scientist whose keen mind and tireless efforts led to groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of electromagnetism and chemistry.

Self-Taught and Curious

Growing up, Faraday didn’t receive a formal education, but he showed a natural curiosity and a love for reading. At the age of 14, he became an apprentice to a bookbinder, where he gained access to a wide variety of scientific books and journals.

“Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature.” — Michael Faraday

Apprentice to Sir Humphrey Davy

It wasn’t long before Faraday’s interest in science caught the attention of Sir Humphrey Davy, a renowned chemist at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. In 1813, Faraday joined the institution as Davy’s assistant and began conducting research on electricity and magnetism.