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James Clerk Maxwell FRS FRSE (13 June 1831 – 5 November 1879) was a Scottish[2][3] scientist in the field of mathematical physics.[4] His most notable achievement was to formulate the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, bringing together for the first time electricity, magnetism, and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon. Maxwell's equations for electromagnetism have been called the "second great unification in physics" [5] after the first one realised by Isaac Newton.
With the publication of "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" in 1865, Maxwell demonstrated that electric and magnetic fields travel through space as waves moving at the speed of light.[6] Maxwell proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena.[7] The unification of light and electrical phenomena led his prediction of the existence of radio waves. Maxwell is also regarded as a founder of the modern field of electrical engineering.[8]
Maxwell helped develop the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, a statistical means of describing aspects of the kinetic theory of gases. He is also known for presenting the first durable colour photograph in 1861 and for his foundational work on analysing the rigidity of rod-and-joint frameworks (trusses) like those in many bridges.
His discoveries helped usher in the era of modern physics, laying the foundation for such fields as special relativity and quantum mechanics. Many physicists regard Maxwell as the 19th-century scientist having the greatest influence on 20th-century physics. His contributions to the science are considered by many to be of the same magnitude as those of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.[9] In the millennium poll—a survey of the 100 most prominent physicists—Maxwell was voted the third greatest physicist of all time, behind only Newton and Einstein.[10] On the centenary of Maxwell's birthday, Einstein described Maxwell's work as the "most profound and the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton".[11] Einstein, when he visited the University of Cambridge in 1922, was told by his host that he had done great things because he stood on Newton's shoulders; Einstein replied: "No I don't. I stand on the shoulders of Maxwell".[12]
With the publication of "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" in 1865, Maxwell demonstrated that electric and magnetic fields travel through space as waves moving at the speed of light.[6] Maxwell proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena.[7] The unification of light and electrical phenomena led his prediction of the existence of radio waves. Maxwell is also regarded as a founder of the modern field of electrical engineering.[8]
Maxwell helped develop the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, a statistical means of describing aspects of the kinetic theory of gases. He is also known for presenting the first durable colour photograph in 1861 and for his foundational work on analysing the rigidity of rod-and-joint frameworks (trusses) like those in many bridges.
His discoveries helped usher in the era of modern physics, laying the foundation for such fields as special relativity and quantum mechanics. Many physicists regard Maxwell as the 19th-century scientist having the greatest influence on 20th-century physics. His contributions to the science are considered by many to be of the same magnitude as those of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.[9] In the millennium poll—a survey of the 100 most prominent physicists—Maxwell was voted the third greatest physicist of all time, behind only Newton and Einstein.[10] On the centenary of Maxwell's birthday, Einstein described Maxwell's work as the "most profound and the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton".[11] Einstein, when he visited the University of Cambridge in 1922, was told by his host that he had done great things because he stood on Newton's shoulders; Einstein replied: "No I don't. I stand on the shoulders of Maxwell".[12]
James Clerk Maxwell - Wikipedia
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Documentary BBC 2017 Maxwell, The inventor of Electromagnetic Theory
Documentary BBC 2017 - Maxwell, The inventor of Electromagnetic Theory. Maxwell, The history of Electromagnetism - Documentary HD 2017 Maxwell, The history o...
Thank you, my friend Maj Marty Hogan for making us aware that June 13 is the anniversary of the birth of Scottish scientist in the field of mathematical physics James Clerk Maxwell FRS FRSE.
Documentary BBC 2017 Maxwell, The inventor of Electromagnetic Theory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QskrvxVn2dc
Background from digital.nls.uk/scientists/biographies/james-clerk-maxwell/
"James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)
Famous for:
Proving the link between electricity, magnetism and light for the first time
Determining what the rings of Saturn are made of
Devising a theory relating to gases
Producing the first colour photograph.
A dynamic top
James Clerk Maxwell is often called one of the world's greatest physicists. He was also a major influence on other important scientists, like Albert Einstein.
Maxwell's theories were essential in the development of technology we now take for granted, such as:
Radio
Television
Mobile phones.
Early years and education
Born in Edinburgh in 1831, Maxwell spent his early years at the family home at Glenlair in Dumfries and Galloway.
He went to Edinburgh Academy when he was 10 years old. Here he demonstrated an extraordinary ability in mathematics. One of his school friends was Peter Guthrie Tait, who also became an eminent physicist.
Maxwell's first scientific paper, written when he was just 14, came from his interest in drawing oval shapes using pins and string.
Instead of simply observing the shapes it was possible to draw, he formulated mathematical equations relating the variables to one another. This could be the position of the pins to the length of the string, for example.
University life
Maxwell went on to study in Edinburgh, London and Cambridge, where he experimented in colour vision by mixing different colours of light together.
It was at this time that he began to carry out the work for which he is best known – research in electromagnetic radiation.
From extensive work over the following years, he formulated four equations relating electricity magnetism and light for the first time. This theory predicted the existence of radio waves.
Work and experiments
In 1856, aged only 25, he was appointed to the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Marischal College, Aberdeen. At this time, he began work on another field of research – the composition of the rings of Saturn.
His theories were only confirmed to be correct in the 1980s when the Voyager space expeditions allowed closer examination of Saturn.
Maxwell became Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College, London in 1860. He remained there for the next five years. During a lecture, he demonstrated the first colour photograph – of a tartan ribbon – using coloured filters.
In 1871 he took up post as the first Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge University. He went on to help set up the Cavendish research laboratory, where many of his theories were developed.
Later years
Maxwell died of stomach cancer at the age of 48. A moving obituary by P G Tait, Maxwell's friend and fellow scientist, appeared in the 'Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh'.
Maxwell is buried in Parton churchyard, near Glenlair in Dumfries and Galloway.
Considering his untimely death, Maxwell's exceptional achievements are even more remarkable.
His name has not always been familiar to the general public. However scientists universally acknowledge Maxwell's contribution to progress in the modern world."
FYI PVT Mark ZehnerLTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SFC William Farrell SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless SSG William Jones SSG Diane R.
Documentary BBC 2017 Maxwell, The inventor of Electromagnetic Theory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QskrvxVn2dc
Background from digital.nls.uk/scientists/biographies/james-clerk-maxwell/
"James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)
Famous for:
Proving the link between electricity, magnetism and light for the first time
Determining what the rings of Saturn are made of
Devising a theory relating to gases
Producing the first colour photograph.
A dynamic top
James Clerk Maxwell is often called one of the world's greatest physicists. He was also a major influence on other important scientists, like Albert Einstein.
Maxwell's theories were essential in the development of technology we now take for granted, such as:
Radio
Television
Mobile phones.
Early years and education
Born in Edinburgh in 1831, Maxwell spent his early years at the family home at Glenlair in Dumfries and Galloway.
He went to Edinburgh Academy when he was 10 years old. Here he demonstrated an extraordinary ability in mathematics. One of his school friends was Peter Guthrie Tait, who also became an eminent physicist.
Maxwell's first scientific paper, written when he was just 14, came from his interest in drawing oval shapes using pins and string.
Instead of simply observing the shapes it was possible to draw, he formulated mathematical equations relating the variables to one another. This could be the position of the pins to the length of the string, for example.
University life
Maxwell went on to study in Edinburgh, London and Cambridge, where he experimented in colour vision by mixing different colours of light together.
It was at this time that he began to carry out the work for which he is best known – research in electromagnetic radiation.
From extensive work over the following years, he formulated four equations relating electricity magnetism and light for the first time. This theory predicted the existence of radio waves.
Work and experiments
In 1856, aged only 25, he was appointed to the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Marischal College, Aberdeen. At this time, he began work on another field of research – the composition of the rings of Saturn.
His theories were only confirmed to be correct in the 1980s when the Voyager space expeditions allowed closer examination of Saturn.
Maxwell became Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College, London in 1860. He remained there for the next five years. During a lecture, he demonstrated the first colour photograph – of a tartan ribbon – using coloured filters.
In 1871 he took up post as the first Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge University. He went on to help set up the Cavendish research laboratory, where many of his theories were developed.
Later years
Maxwell died of stomach cancer at the age of 48. A moving obituary by P G Tait, Maxwell's friend and fellow scientist, appeared in the 'Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh'.
Maxwell is buried in Parton churchyard, near Glenlair in Dumfries and Galloway.
Considering his untimely death, Maxwell's exceptional achievements are even more remarkable.
His name has not always been familiar to the general public. However scientists universally acknowledge Maxwell's contribution to progress in the modern world."
FYI PVT Mark ZehnerLTC Stephen C. LTC (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price Maj Marty Hogan SCPO Morris Ramsey SFC William Farrell SGT Mark Halmrast Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. SGT Gregory Lawritson CPL Dave Hoover SPC Margaret Higgins SSgt Brian Brakke 1stSgt Eugene Harless SSG William Jones SSG Diane R.
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