Ten years later he converted magnetic force into electrical force, thus inventing the world’s first electrical generator. In 1821 he succeeded in producing mechanical motion by means of a permanent magnet and an electric current-an ancestor of the electric motor.
In this work he was driven by his belief in the uniformity of nature and the interconvertibility of various forces, which he conceived early on as fields of force. Science History Institute Faraday’s Two Laws of Electrolysisįaraday is most famous for his contributions to the understanding of electricity and electrochemistry. Michael Faraday’s concern about contemporary environmental problems caricatured in Punch, 1855. His investigation of heating and illuminating oils led to his discovery of benzene and other hydrocarbons, and he experimented at length with various steel alloys and optical glasses (for more on benzene, see August Kekulé and Archibald Scott Couper). Among other achievements Faraday liquefied various gases, including chlorine and carbon dioxide. In 1833 he was appointed to the Fullerian Professorship of Chemistry-a special research chair created for him. In 1825 he replaced the seriously ailing Davy in his duties directing the laboratory at the Royal Institution. As his chemical capabilities increased, he was given more responsibility. Once back in England, Faraday developed as an analytical and practical chemist. Discovery of Benzene and Other Experiments His first assignment was to accompany Sir Humphry and his wife on a tour of the Continent, during which he sometimes had to be a personal servant to Lady Davy. On the basis of Faraday’s carefully taken notes of Davy’s lectures, he was hired by Davy in 1813.
One of the bookbinder’s customers gave Faraday free tickets to lectures given by Sir Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution, and after attending, Faraday conceived the goal of working for the great scientist. Michael Faraday in his laboratory at the Royal Institution, from a painting by Harriet Moore.