The philosopher's tree

"Michael Faraday has a good case to be crowned as the greatest experimental scientist who ever lived. His discoveries in electrochemistry, electromagnetism, dia-and para-magnetism and above all the unification of the forces of nature, continue to provide the backdrop against which the physical sciences operate at the end of the 20th century."--BOOK JACKET. "Yet his contribution was more than simply scientific discovery. He was a fervent advocate of better understanding of science by the population at large, an inspirational lecturer on science to young people, advisor to governments and,…