Fixation on Histology: Michael Faraday- The Scientist Behind Technology in Today’s Histology Lab

Born in England in 1791, Faraday rose from humble beginnings to become one of history's greatest experimental scientists.

With little formal education, he developed a lifelong passion for discovery and went on to make groundbreaking contributions in electricity, magnetism, and chemistry.

So, what does electricity have to do with your histology lab? Faraday's discovery of electromagnetic induction transformed the way electricity could be generated and used.

This breakthrough became the foundation for electric motors and countless technologies that power modern health care.

In the histology laboratory, Faraday's influence can be seen in the equipment you use every day, automated tissue processors and stainers, motorized microtomes and cryostats, cover slippers, and laboratory automation systems, just to name a few.

As laboratories continue to embrace digital pathology, Faraday's discoveries remain more relevant than ever.

Whole slide scanners rely on advanced electronics, precision motors, sensors, and imaging technology, all built on principles of physics and engineering that trace back to discoveries like his.

Let's not forget his work in chemistry.

Faraday was also a remarkable chemist whose work helped advance the understanding of chemical reactions and electrochemistry.

While he did not create histologic stains, his research contributed to the broader scientific knowledge that supports modern techniques.

Faraday's greatest lesson may be that scientific discoveries often have impacts far beyond anything their creators could have imagined.

He was not trying to develop medical technologies or streamline laboratory workflows.

Instead, he was driven by a desire to understand the natural world.

That same spirit of curiosity continues to inspire scientists today, including histopathology innovator Dr. Michael Giacomelli, keynote speaker at the 2026 NSH Histotechnology Convention.