Michael Faraday
September 22, 1791 – August 25, 1867
English scientist who discovered electromagnetic induction, the basis of electric generators and motors.
Biography
Michael Faraday was an English scientist who made basic discoveries in electricity and magnetism. Born to a poor family, he had little formal schooling and became assistant to Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution.
In 1831 he discovered electromagnetic induction, the principle behind electric generators and transformers. He also built an early electric motor, formulated the laws of electrolysis and introduced the idea of the electromagnetic field.
He gave popular lectures, including the Christmas lectures for young people at the Royal Institution, and declined a knighthood and the presidency of the Royal Society.
