Notes taken during Michael Faraday’s ground breaking Royal Institution lectures on the nature of light and magnetism are for sale at Bonhams Book Sale on 8 June (£5,000-10,000).
The notes, bound in one volume, were put together by Maria Herries, daughter of a former Chancellor of the Exchequer John Charles Herries, and cover many of Faraday’s lectures from the mid 1830s-1850.
Also included are letters to Maria Herries from Faraday’s close friend, The Rev John Barlow, who took over the running of the Institution from Faraday and who, with him, introduced reforms to admit women members and ensure them equal access to lectures.
In one of the letters, Barlow writes of his excitement at Faraday’s announcement of his discovery that all substances are magnetic. “Wonderful as was his discovery about light,” he says, “this seems still more surprising and comprehensive in what it leads to.”
Faraday was one of the key figures of the 19th century and, indeed, one of the most influential scientists in history – Albert Einstein kept a photograph of him in his study. His discoveries laid the foundations of the field theory of electro-magnetism and much of modern science. A modest man – he refused a knighthood and turned down the honour of burial in Westminster Abbey – Faraday was also a man of strong principle, refusing to participate in the development of chemical weapons for use in the Crimean War. Passionate about education, he gave some of the earliest Christmas lectures for young people at the Royal Institution which are still held today.
For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/books
