How Michael Faraday became Laboratory Assistant to Sir Humphry Davy
- A modest beginning & first problem
Faraday was born into a poor family and apprenticed as a bookbinder and bookseller’s assistant. He had very little formal schooling. One of his problems was that he did not have the connections or the usual qualifications that many scientists had. He was a working-class boy with a trade.
Despite that, he made use of his apprenticeship: his employer, George Riebau, allowed him access to scientific books, and Faraday loved to read them.
- Seizing a lecture opportunity
In 1812, Faraday got hold of tickets (through Riebau’s connections) to attend lectures by Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution. He was fascinated and took extensive notes.
He then bound these notes into a book (about 300 pages) and sent them to Davy, saying that although
he was only a bookbinder, he wished to enter the “service of Science.”
This step shows Faraday’s initiative: instead of waiting, he created a bridge from his world into science.
- Making contact and applying
After sending his notes, Faraday also wrote to Davy asking for a job as laboratory assistant. At this point, Davy had suffered an accident working with a dangerous chemical (nitrogen trichloride) and needed help in his lab.
Davy’s lab at the Royal Institution was becoming busier, and Faraday’s application, his self-education, and his obvious enthusiasm made him stand out.
- The interview and first job offer
According to sources, on 1 March 1813, Faraday was formally appointed as chemical assistant at the Royal Institution under Davy.
One account describes the interview: Davy asked questions, tested Faraday’s confidence and dedication, and then offered him the position.
Faraday accepted despite the fact that the salary was modest compared to what established scientists earned, and that moving into science meant giving up his comfortable trade. It was a risk.
- Early work, challenges and growth
Once in the lab, Faraday’s tasks included assisting Davy: preparing experiments, taking notes, and even helping with dangerous chemicals. For example, he participated in work with chlorine and other reactive substances.
Working in a laboratory atmosphere was very different from his earlier apprenticeship – full of risk, complexity and expectation. He had to overcome his limited formal maths training and adjust to a world of scientific terminology and method.
But his self-taught background and eagerness helped him quickly become valuable.
- Why this mattered
This appointment was a turning point. From then on, Faraday had access to the facilities, mentors and networks of the Royal Institution. He moved from the margins of science into its core machinery. It shows how overcoming big obstacles (lack of formal schooling, social class, financial hardship) is possible with initiative, perseverance and seizing opportunity.
- Key takeaways
- Faraday didn’t wait for the perfect chance — he created one by sending his notes. ● He accepted a risk: leaving a stable apprenticeship for an uncertain scientific role.
- He bridged his world (bookbinding) and science (lectures) by using his strength (reading & summarising) to show value.
- Once in, he worked hard; the obstacles didn’t vanish overnight but his opportunity changed his trajectory.
True or False (10)
- Michael Faraday was born into a wealthy family. F
- Faraday’s formal education was very limited. T
- He worked as a bookbinder’s apprentice before entering science. T
- Faraday had strong mathematical training before joining the Royal Institution.F
- He took detailed notes while attending Humphry Davy’s lectures.T
- Faraday mailed his lecture notes to Davy in hopes of getting a job.T
- Davy immediately gave Faraday a high-paying senior scientist role. F
- Faraday helped with experiments involving dangerous chemicals. T
- Faraday never had to overcome obstacles to enter the world of science. F
- His determination and curiosity helped him succeed. T
Multiple Choice (10)
- What job did Faraday have as a young man?
- A) Farmer
- B) Bookbinder’s apprentice
- C) Teacher
- D) Engineer
- Why did Faraday read many books as an apprentice?
- A) He wanted to impress his friends
- B) His job required it
- C) He loved learning and used the opportunity
- D) He had nothing else to do
- What famous scientist did Faraday admire and study under? A) Albert Einstein
- B) Sir Isaac Newton
- C) Humphry Davy
- D) Thomas Edison
- How did Faraday get Davy’s attention?
- A) Sent him scientific tools
- B) Wrote rude letters
- C) Sent detailed lecture notes
- D) Telephoned him
- What accident happened to Davy that made him need help?
- A) He broke his leg
- B) He got sick from nitrogen trichloride
- C) He burned his house
- D) None of the above
- What did Faraday lack when applying to the Royal Institution?
- A) Ambition
- B) A formal scientific degree
- C) Curiosity
- D) Work experience
- When was Faraday hired at the Royal Institution?
- A) 1900
- B) 1813
- C) 1780
- D) 1850
- Faraday’s family struggled with:
- A) Too much wealth
- B) Health and money problems
- C) Travel costs
- D) School fees for university
- Faraday used his strengths by:
- A) Reading and taking detailed notes
- B) Avoiding learning
- C) Complaining about opportunities
- D) Refusing to work
- A key lesson from Faraday’s story is:
- A) Only rich people become scientists
- B) Giving up early ensures success
- C) Hard work and initiative open doors
- D) You should never ask for help
Comprehension Questions (2)
- How did Faraday’s apprenticeship as a bookbinder help him begin a scientific career?
-his apprenticeship helped get more education as he was too broke to afford those books and proper education.
- Describe one major challenge Faraday faced and explain how he overcame it.
-faraday faced problems like his family was too broke to give him proper education and couldn’t pave a path to his dream job.
Critical Thinking Questions (2)
- If Faraday had not taken the risk to contact Davy, how might his life — and even the development of electricity — have been different
-if faraday did not take his risk he might have lived his life out as a book binder or librarian gaining knowledge as he grew.
- Today, what “modern opportunities” (books, internet, school, mentors) can students use the same way Faraday used books and lectures?
-today modern opportunities can help young people to follow in the world’s smartest footsteps and to help them make differences in the way people think.