Faraday and the Philosophical Magazine

Faraday is considered to be one of the greatest scientists of all time. He not only was a meticulous experimentalist, a true experimental wizard, but also a very prolific author. The many important contributions (almost 50) that he published in the Philosophical Magazine make it highly desirable to catalogue his various inventions, ‘discoveries’ in his own words, in a scientific language so characteristic of the nineteenth century. It is the purpose of this commentary to guide the reader through his achievements in electrochemistry, magnetism, electric and electromagnetic induction, even ‘industrial’ applications; to enable him to address a present day audience by means of his contributions to the Philosophical Magazine.