Michael Faraday (1791-1867), British chemist and physicist. Faraday was Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution in London, where he pursued his experimental studies of electrochemistry and electromagnetism. He discovered electromagnetic induction, or the production of an electromotive force by a changing magnetic field, which enabled the invention of electric transformers and motors. Faraday's work in this area turned electricity from a curiosity into a useful technology. In addition to his research, he was a great teacher. He regularly lectured at the Royal Institution and was renowned for his boyish enthusiasm and zeal.