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Tony Hill, Director of Manchester's Museum of Science and Industry honours the scientists who revolutionised microscopic technology, electrical power, air navigation, gyroscopic travel and digital sound. In their day they were dismissed as blue-sky time-wasters but now we recognise their genius.

Michael Faraday (1791-1867)

Faraday built his electric motor in 1821 and a decade later invented the induction ring and built a rudimentary generator. It was 50 years before electric power was practically applied, because nobody would invest in Faraday's inventions.

The story is told that a senior politician was given a demonstration of induction and asked "What good is it ?" Faraday replied "What good is a newborn baby ?"

Recorded at the Royal Institution where Faraday worked and where his inventions are on display.