Lot 183: Michael Faraday

Autograph: Michael Faraday British physicist and chemist (1791–1867) best known for his development of the first dynamo and the discovery of electromagnetic induction. ALS signed “M. Faraday,” one page both sides, 4.5 x 7, Royal Institute of Great Britain letterhead, March 23, 1857. Letter to Professor Miller. In part: “I have just sent a paper to the Royal Society for you. It is from Professor Plichen…It is on magnetocrystallography & contains as he tells me a perfect mathematical theory. When he told me some time ago that he was intending to send a paper to the Royal Society I warned him that it must be original and he tells me that it is so.” Toning to right side on reverse from old mounting remnants, mild toning to front, and rusty clip impression to top border, otherwise fine condition.

Considered one of greatest experimenters of his era, Faraday was a self-trained scientist whose greatest claims to fame include the 1821 invention of the dynamo (a device capable of converting electricity to motion) the 1831 discovery of electromagnetic induction, and in 1857—the year this letter was sent—the discovery of the laws of chemical electrodeposition of metals from solutions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.