One of the greatest experimental scientists of all time, Michael Faraday (1791-1867) developed the first electric motor, electric generator, and dynamo -- essentially creating the science of electrochemistry. This book, the result of six lectures he delivered at London's Royal Institution, concerns another form of energy -- candlelight. Faraday titled the lectures "The Chemical History of a Candle, " choosing the subject because, as he explained, "There is not a law under which any part of this universe is governed which does not come into play and is not touched upon [during the time a candle burns]." That statement is the foundation for a book that explores the components, function, and weight of the atmosphere; the function of a candle wick; capillary attraction; the carbon content in oxygen and living bodies; the production of carbon dioxide from coal gas and sugar; the properties of carbonic acid; respiration and its analogy to the burning of a candle; and much more.

Publisher Comments

One of the greatest experimental scientists of all time, Michael Faraday (1791-1867) developed the first electric motor, electric generator, and dynamo -- essentially creating the science of electrochemistry. This book, the result of six lectures he delivered at London's Royal Institution, concerns another form of energy -- candlelight. Faraday titled the lectures "The Chemical History of a Candle, " choosing the subject because, as he explained, "There is not a law under which any part of this universe is governed which does not come into play and is not touched upon during the time a candle burns ." That statement is the foundation for a book that explores the components, function, and weight of the atmosphere; the function of a candle wick; capillary attraction; the carbon content in oxygen and living bodies; the production of carbon dioxide from coal gas and sugar; the properties of carbonic acid; respiration and its analogy to the burning of a candle; and much more.