Michael Faraday's celebrated series of lectures,The Chemical History of a Candle, turned into one of the most successful science books ever published and was a classic work of Victorian popular science. They also reflect how Faraday, the bookbinder's apprentice turned scientist, was a remarkable communicator of science. First published in 1861 they have remained continuously in print ever since. Covering a wide range of basic scientific knowledge, much of which still has relevance today, 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 this new edition provides the historical context and background to his lectures, and to Faraday himself.
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These lectures are historical documents written in the language of their time. And yet the science hasn't gone out of date, neither it seems have the techniques for inspiring young scientists.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 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.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book should be a compulsory read for all budding scientists of all disciplines. You will ask yourself on reading it how could this scientist [Faraday] obtain so much information from such a simple subject as a candle with the crude apparatus available in the 1850's. His enthusiasm shines throughout the whole book. You will learn a great deal and my be inspired - because of the simplicity involved - to make your own experiments in your own field. What he discovered and reported from the simple igniting of a candle is spellbinding.
Finally towards the end of the book you will be amazed at the similarity of our bodies and a candle! Well I was and after 50 years in science that is some achievement. I wish I'd read it at the start of my career.
By Chris Speake
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Fantastic and still informative even with today's advances in science. Accessible for all levels of educational background. Especially recommend for gcse plus students with an interest in chemistry or physics.
By G. Brooks
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is free so I should not grumble. However it is a description of a series of demonstrations. Without the benefit of illustrations, or diagrams of the experiments, the impact is much diminished. A pity as the book would have been much better with them.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating empirical book . Chemical H Candle.
This book describes brilliantly how oxidation and combustion with oxygen was discovered and the methodology used to find out the chemical processes involved on it. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Xavier
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chemical History of a Candle, - ILLUSTRATED
I had read and enjoyed a Kindle version, which failed to include the illustrations.
The original material is excellent; not to be missed. Read more
The original material is excellent; not to be missed. Read more
Published 16 months ago by JID
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas present
This was bought as a christmas present for my son. It was requested by him in his Christmas list. Very happy with it.
Published 17 months ago by LIZZIEB
5.0 out of 5 stars
VERY ENLIGHTENING
Bought this for a Beaver Scout Young Helper's 18th birthday before he heads off to Cambridge to read Natural Sciences [hopefully]. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Mr. N. C. Kendell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faraday is the man
A very interesting read and an insight into the mind, disipline and communication skills of one of the giants of science and natural philosophy.
Published 21 months ago by Mark This
5.0 out of 5 stars
The chemical history of a candle
This is a fascinating publication. It feels strangely modern. His enthusiasm is boundless. I am so glad to have read it.
Published on 30 April 2009 by Melinda Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars
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Everyone can read it.
It is written in exquisite prose, simple and straightforward. Everything is explained for everybody to understand. Read more
It is written in exquisite prose, simple and straightforward. Everything is explained for everybody to understand. Read more
Published on 20 Jan 2009 by Ocean
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