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David James Blaikley Collection of Michael Faraday Papers

UK0108 SC MSS 002

1809-1961

Eight archive boxes

English; French; German; Italian

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was born in Newington Butts, Surrey, on 22 September 1791. Famous for his discovery of electro-magnetic induction, Faraday was a self-taught man who progressed from being an apprentice bookbinder to Director of the Royal Institution, where he conducted his life's research. From the time of his apprenticeship, Faraday kept detailed records of lectures attended, books and articles read and experiments conducted, which he bound into notebooks. His meticulous recording of research and experimental results stood him in good stead throughout his scientific career. At this time, Faraday also began his correspondence with like-minded friends, which he saw as vital in continuing his education and organising his ideas. This correspondence widened as Faraday's career developed, and eventually covered many of the eminent scientists of the day. Faraday developed many long-lasting scientific friendships through his letters. Faraday suffered from periods of illness throughout his life. During the 1850s he complained of increasing forgetfulness and it became difficult for him to concentrate on his work. He resigned from the Royal Instititution in 1865 and died two years later.

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