Michael Faraday was an English scientist who contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His main discoveries include the principles underlying electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis. Although Faraday received little formal education, as a self-made man, he was one of the most influential scientists in history. It was by his research on the magnetic field around a conductor carrying a direct current that Faraday established the concept of the electromagnetic field in physics. Faraday also established that magnetism could affect rays of light and that there was an underlying relationship between the two phenomena. He similarly discovered the principles of electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism, and the laws of electrolysis. His inventions of electromagnetic rotary devices formed the foundation of electric motor technology, and it was largely due to his efforts that electricity became practical for use in technology.
Faraday c. 1850s
Portrait of Faraday in 1842 by Thomas Phillips
Three Fellows of the Royal Society offering the presidency to Faraday, 1857
Faraday's grave at Highgate Cemetery, London
Fellow of the Royal Society
Fellowship of the Royal Society is an award granted by the Fellows of the Royal Society of London to individuals who have made a "substantial contribution to the improvement of natural knowledge, including mathematics, engineering science, and medical science".
Headquarters of the Royal Society in Carlton House Terrace in London
Elected in 1672, Isaac Newton was one of the earliest fellows of the Royal Society.
Stephen Hawking was elected a Fellow in 1974.
Bill Bryson, elected as an Hononary Member in 2013