EVERYDAY FARADAY
English scientist Michael Faraday’s instrumental work with electricity in the early 1800s led to discoveries in creating the first electrical generator, rubber balloons, and of course the Faraday cage. Early in his research career, he worked for Sir Humphry Davy, the chemist responsible for using electrolysis to isolate many elements for the first time. These were the pioneers of research into metals, chemistry, and electricity. Albert Einstein was even said to have kept a portrait of Faraday on the wall of his study — such was his importance within his field.
Out of necessity, since scientists were known for injuring and killing themselves during experiments in this era, the first Faraday cage was constructed in 1836 to keep Michael safe.
