In 1791, on the 22nd September, Michael Faraday was born. He was intrigued by a discovery made by the Dane, Professor H.C. Oersted. Oersted had discovered by accident that a magnetic needle was averted when a wire possessing a current was moved towards it. Faraday became convinced that there was an evident connection between electricity and magnetism. Subsequently, Faraday made his `electrical rotations' which we regard today as the first electric motor.
Development of the electric motor continued throughout the 19th century. As it became safer and more efficient, it began to replace steam engines for many tasks.
The modern electric motor can be seen in many forms and can be found in thousands of 20th century items in the home and industry.
