Experimental Researches in Chemistry and Physics

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Michael FARADAY (1791-1867). Experimental Researches in Chemistry and Physics … Reprinted from the Philosophical Transactions of 1821-1857; The Journal of the Royal Institution; The Philosophical Magazine, and other publications. London, 1859 . London: Richard Taylor & William Francis, 1859. Octavo (8 ½ x 5 5/8in; 216 x 143mm). Pp. [i-]viii, [1-]2-496. 3 engraved plates (one folding). (Some toning and spotting [see images]). Original blue cloth blocked in blind, spine lettered in gilt (spine detached, somewhat soiled and chipped at head and foot).Provenance: J.A. Strickland (signature); Michaelhouse Library (ink stamp to front free endpaper).

 First edition of this collection of papers and communications by Faraday: ‘one of the most influential scientists in history. It was by his research on the magnetic field around a conductor carrying a direct current that Faraday established the basis for the concept of the electromagnetic field in physics. …As a chemist, Faraday discovered benzene, investigated the clathrate hydrate of chlorine, invented an early form of the Bunsen burner and the system of oxidation numbers, and popularised terminology such as anode, cathode, electrode, and ion. Faraday ultimately became the first and foremost Fullerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution of Great Britain, a lifetime position.

 Physicist Ernest Rutherford stated; "When we consider the magnitude and extent of his discoveries and their influence on the progress of science and of industry, there is no honour too great to pay to the memory of Faraday, one of the greatest scientific discoverers of all time"’ (http://vipauk.org/enter/muse/lond/f01.html).