A Life of Discovery #2

Electrical phenomena attracted the attention of many scientists – called natural philosophers until the late 19^th century. For example, Galvani discovered in 1780 that the muscles of dead frogs' legs twitched when struck by an electrical spark. Especially, many were interested in the connections between electricity and magnets. Faraday was asked to write a paper summing up the research to date. He did and wanted to learn more, so he experimented in his lab. He used batteries, magnets, wire, glass rods, a compass, and more, especially his curiosity. It led to his inventing the first ever electric motor – observable physical motion derived from only electric power and magnetism. His apparatus was “alive with electrical movement and power, unseen and silent, but as real as the sap rising through a blade of grass in the spring” (A Life of Discovery 162-3).

Several days later he completed an article ‘On some new Electro-Magnetic Motions, and on the Theory of Magnetism’ and submitted it to the Quarterly Journal of Science. Within days of publication, he was heavily criticized by other scientific men – for not giving enough credit to others who “paved the way” to his discovery and invention. This was far from uniform – much praise came from others – but the criticism was quite a shock to Faraday. Even “Humphrey Davy did nothing to ease Faraday’s torment,” and Davy pressed Faraday with tasks that went with his being his valet (166).

Explosions echoed regularly at the Royal Institution when Faraday was working. A series of them occurred following Davy’s suggestion to Faraday to try certain experiments, injuring Faraday, including fragments of glass in his eyes (186-7). Davy even refused to support Faraday’s nomination to membership in the Royal Society. Regardless, after several membership meetings, Faraday was elected with only one no vote. Voting was secret, so who dissented is unknown (190).