Ep 10. The Electric Boy

The episode "The Electric Boy" of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey season 1 brings to light the story of a lesser-known scientist and inventor, Michael Faraday. The episode starts with curious young Michael apprenticing at a local bookbinder's shop, where he comes across a copy of "The Chemical History of a Candle" by Humphry Davy. Intrigued by the book, Michael attends one of Davy's presentations, where he wows the audience with his experiments on electricity. Michael impresses Davy so much that he eventually becomes his assistant at the Royal Institution in London.

Davy was a renowned scientist who discovered several new elements and was experimenting with electricity, a relatively new area of study. Michael Faraday joins him at a crucial time in history when scientists have already discovered the link between electricity and magnetism. However, they did not have any means to produce an electric current. For Faraday, electricity became the basis of everything. He dedicates his life to studying this force of nature and exploring its various properties.

The episode then goes on to show how Michael Faraday's experiments with electricity led to numerous discoveries. He came up with the principle of electromagnetic induction, which led to the creation of the electric generator. He also discovered the law of electrolysis and came up with the idea of an electromagnetic field.

One of the highlights of the episode is when Neil deGrasse Tyson, the host of the show, takes on a tour of the Royal Institution and shows us some of the devices that Michael Faraday built to illustrate his findings. These demonstrations are a testament to Faraday's genius and passion for science.

The episode also pays homage to Faraday's humble beginnings and his love for science. Faraday was self-taught and did not have a formal education. He came from a poor family and had to work hard in a time when science was not considered a viable profession. However, his passion for science and his willingness to learn eventually led him to become one of the greatest scientists of his time.

Towards the end of the episode, Tyson draws parallels between Faraday's work and the ongoing exploration of the universe. He reminds us that, just like Faraday, we are still in the early stages of understanding the universe and all its secrets. He also highlights the importance of curiosity and innovation in the field of science.

"The Electric Boy" is an educational and entertaining episode that sheds light on the life and work of Michael Faraday. The episode is well-researched and beautifully produced, with stunning visuals and engaging storytelling. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in science and the history of scientific discovery.