His discoveries about the nature of gases, how electricity and light interact, and other
fundamental rules of chemistry and physics literally changed the world. The electric
motors used around the world today were made possible by Michael Faraday’s work. The
Bunsen burners you still find in modern laboratories were just one of his inventions.
But Faraday was also a dedicated public servant, and used his great intelligence to help
build a better world. He became an expert in preventing explosions in coal mines, in
building lighthouses to keep ships safe, and in fighting the industrial pollution ruining
England’s environment.
The only time he failed to help his country was when he was asked to help invent
chemical weapons: the very religious Faraday refused to use his genius for war.
In old age, Michael Faraday was a national hero. A grateful government gave him a free
house and income for the rest of his life.
No wonder Albert Einstein looked up to him!
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