Friday’s all electric at NEWI

20 March 2006

Michael Faraday was one of the greatest scientists of our time developing many of the theories on electric motors and electro-magnetic induction which have influenced our inventions to date. On Friday, as part of Wrexham Science and Technology Week NEWI is offering people the opportunity to find out more about the life and achievements of this inspiring, spiritual yet humble man.

This illustrated talk with demonstrations is being sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry and being presented by Dr Frank James a leading Michael Faraday researcher and spokesperson.

Michael Faraday was born in 1791 and remarkably received no formal education but developed his interest in science from his job binding science books. The rising physicist was permitted to accompany his then boss on a tour of Europe which enabled Faraday to meet a large number of influential scientists, many of whom were to provide an important educational role in his life.

Faraday helped his boss with a number of discoveries including iodine from burnt seaweed, the safe mining lamp and liquefied chlorine. But when he developed his own interest in electromagnetics and electric motors and published work on this, he was accused of failing to acknowledge his boss. He was also accused of stealing the idea from the chemist, William Hyde Wollaston. But many would argue that neither of these accusations were valid but they did sour his relationship with his boss and Faraday’s application as a fellow of the Royal Institution.

Despite these setbacks, on the death of his boss, in the 1830s Faraday was able to produce his most amazing work. He discovered electromagnetic induction, the battery, the electric arc (plasmas) and the Faraday cage (electrostatics). By 1841, however, his health began to deteriorate. He did less research, choosing to spend more time being an expert witness for trials, helping government bodies and lecturing.
In 1864, he was offered the presidency of the Royal Institution. Faraday declined, much shocked that his contemporaries should have considered him. He was a humble man, who took no delight in taking centre stage. He died on the 25th August 1867.

Dr Frank James, Keeper of Collections and Reader in the History of Science at the Royal Institution will give the The Life and Work of Michael Faraday talk on Friday 24th March at 7pm.

For more details on any of the events being held during Wrexham Science and Technology Week @ NEWI log on to www.newi.ac.uk. The lectures throughout the week are free, but people are asked to reserve their place by calling 01978 293439/3597 or e-mail eventsteam@newi.ac.uk.