Back to Modern History Sourcebook Modern History Sourcebook: Michael Faraday (1791-1867): The Chemical History of A Candle, 1860 Introductory Note Michael Faraday was the son of a blacksmith, and was born at Newington Butts, near London, September 22, 1791. He began life as an errand boy to a bookbinder and stationer, to whom he was later bound apprentice. After eight years in this business, he ...