1-157-618 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Michael Faraday lecturing at the Royal Institution, London, c1835. Faraday (1791-1867) was one of the greatest scientists of the 19th century. His most significant contribution was the Experimental Researches on Electricity which was published over 40 years, where he described his discoveries, including the laws of electromagnetic induction (1831) and the laws of electrolysis (1833). He also discovered the principles of the electric motor and dynamo. Faraday founded the famous Friday evening discourse and children's Christmas lectures at the Royal Institution, both of which are still given today.