The Correspondence of Michael Faraday: 1811-1831 (Correspondence of Michael Faraday, Volume 1, 1811-1831)

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was one of the most important men of science in nineteenth century Britain. His discoveries of electro-magnetic rotations (1821), and electro-magnetic induction (1831) laid the foundations of the modern electrical industry. His discovery of the magneto-optical effect and of diamagnetism (1845) led him to formulate the fi eld theory of electro-magnetism, which forms one of the cornerstones of modern physics. These and a whole host of other fundamental discoveries in physics and chemistry, together with his lecturing at the Royal Institution, his work for the state, his religious beliefs, his lack of mathematical ability, make Faraday one of the most fascinating scientists ever. All the aspects of his life and work are refl ected in his correspondence. Appropriately, volume one, which covers the years 1811-1831, was published in the year of the bicentenary of his birth. It contains correspondence (previously unpublished) not only with contemporary men of science (such as Davy Ampére and Herschel) but also with major fi gures in many other areas of early nineteenth century society. The complete Correspondence is a valuable resource for historians, philosophers and sociologists of science, as well as historians of the nineteenth century and the industrial revolution. It will also be of great interest to electrical engineers, physicists and chemists who want to know more about one of the most eminent fi gures in the history The Correspondence Of Michael Faraday Michael Faraday (1791-1867) Was One Of The Most Important Men Of Science In Nineteenth Century Britain. His Discoveries Of Electro-magnetic Rotations (1821) And Electro-magnetic Induction (1831) Laid The Foundations Of The Modern Electrical Industry. His Discovery Of The Magneto-optical Effect And Diamagnetism (1845) Led Him To Formulate The Field Theory Of Electro-magnetism, Which Forms One Of The Cornerstones Of Modern Physics. These And A Whole Host Of Other Fundamental Discoveries In Physics And Chemistry, Together With His Lecturing At The Royal Institution, His Work For The State (including Trinity House), His Religious Beliefs And His Lack Of Mathematical Ability, Make Faraday One Of The Most Fascinating Scientific Figures Ever. All These Aspects Of His Life And Work And Others, Such As His Health, Are Reflected In His Letters Which, In This Final Volume, Cover Faraday's Life To His Death In August 1867.^ Also Published Here Are Letters That Could Not Be Dated And Letters That Should Have Been Included In Volumes One To Five But Which Had Not Been Located When Those Volumes Were Published. In Total Just Over 80% Of The Letters In This Volume Are Previously Unpublished. The Dominant Topic Of The 1860s (covered In Nearly 40% Of The Letters) Is Faraday's Involvement With The Lighthouse Service Relating In Particular To His Advice To Trinity House And The Board Of Trade On Matters Such As Electric Light And The Controversial Issue Of Fog Signals. Also Detailed Is The Complex Process By Which His Various Posts Were Transferred To John Tyndall. Similar Issues Existed With Faraday's Gradual Withdrawal From His Duties At The Royal Institution, Including The Misguided Attempt To Make Him President. And, Of Course, Running Through Many Of The Letters Are Comments On His Declining Health And Impending Death. Major Correspondents Include The Astronomer Royal G.b.^ Airy, The Secretary Of Trinity House P.h. Berthon, The Birmingham Glassmaker J.t. Chance, The Assistant Secretary Of The Board Of Trade T.h. Farrer, The German Mathematician Julius Plü Cker, The Cambridge Trained Mathematical Natural Philosophers James Clerk Maxwell And William Thomson, Faraday's Colleagues At The Royal Institution Henry Bence Jones, John Tyndall And Benjamin Vincent, The Swiss Chemist Christian Schoenbein And The Astronomer James South. V. 1. 1811-december 1831, Letters 1-524 -- V. 2. 1832-december 1840, Letters 525-1333 -- V. 3. 1841-december 1848, Letters 1334-2145 -- V. 4. January 1849-october 1855, Letters 2146-3032 -- V. 5. November 1855-october 1860, Letters 3033-3873 -- V. 6. November 1860-august 1867, Undated Letters, Additional Letters For Volumes 1-5, Letters 3874-5053. Edited By Frank A.j.l. James. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes.

Michael Faraday (1791-1867) was one of the most important men of science in nineteenth century Britain. His discoveries of electro-magnetic rotations (1821), and electro-magnetic induction (1831) laid the foundations of the modern electrical industry. His discovery of the magneto-optical effect and of diamagnetism (1845) led him to formulate the field theory of electro-magnetism, which forms one of the cornerstones of modern physics.

These and a whole host of other fundamental discoveries in physics and chemistry, together with his lecturing at the Royal Institution, his work for the state, his religious beliefs, his lack of mathematical ability, make Faraday one of the most fascinating scientists ever.

All the aspects of his life and work are reflected in his correspondence. Appropriately, volume one, which covers the years 1811-1831, was published in the year of the bicentenary of his birth. It contains correspondence (previously unpublished) not only with contemporary men of science (such as Davy Ampére and Herschel) but also with major figures in many other areas of early nineteenth century society.

The Correspondence is a valuable resource for historians, philosophers and sociologists of science, as well as historians of the nineteenth century and the industrial revolution. It will also be of great interest to electrical engineers, physicists and chemists who want to know more about one of the most eminent figures in the history.

Volume 1 of this collection of the letters of Michael Faraday reflects his importance in the world of 19th-century science. They cover the years 1811 to 1831 and span his discoveries of electro-magnetic rotations and electro-magnetic induction as well as his other researches and dealings with major figures of the day in the world of science such as Humphry Davy, Ampere and Herschel. Faraday also corresponded with important figures in other areas of early 19th-century society. The sixth volume of Faraday's correspondence contains letters from the end of 1860 to his death in 1867. The dominant topic of the 1860s is Faraday's involvement with the lighthouse service relating to his advice to Trinity House and the Board of Trade on matters such as electric light and the controversial issue of fog signals. This volume includes 70% of previously unpublished letters of Michael Farday spanning half of the 1850s and most of 1860. Topics include Faraday's work on regelation, the transmission of light through gold and his appointment by Emperor Napoleon III to be a Commander of the Legion of Honour. This book contains the correspondence of Michael Faraday (1791-1867). A bibliography and index is provided at the end