The Chemical History of a Candle - Hardcover

Faraday, Michael; James, Frank A. J. L.; Phillips, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199694915 ISBN 13: 9780199694914

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Michael Faraday's celebrated series of lectures, The Chemical History of a Candle, became one of the most successful science books ever published and was a classic work of Victorian popular science. They highlight how Faraday--the bookbinder's apprentice turned scientist--was a remarkable communicator of science. First published in 1861, these engaging lectures have remained in print ever since. Covering a wide range of basic scientific knowledge, The Chemical History of a Candle draws out the science behind the candle flame--a familiar yet complex example of combustion, and a source of fascination as much today as it was then. Timed to mark the 150th anniversary of the first publication, Frank James presents a new edition of the lectures, which, for the first time, includes a facsimile of Faraday's original handwritten lecture notes, never before published. Including an introduction from Frank James, one of the world's leading Faraday scholars, this new edition provides fascinating historical background to these lectures, and to Faraday himself.

About this title

About the Author:

Frank A. J. L. James is Professor of the History of Science at the Royal Institution. He is editor of the Correspondence of Michael Faraday, of which five volumes (out of six) have been published.

Review:

These lectures are historical documents written in the language of their time. And yet the science hasn't gone out of date, neither it seems have the techniques for inspiring young scientists. Engineering & Technology Popular science at its very best Financial Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0199694915
• ISBN 13: 9780199694914
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208