James Clerk Maxwell. James Clerk Maxwell FRS FRSE (13 June 1831 – 5 November 1879) was a Scottish[2][3] mathematical physicist.[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 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. Maxwell proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena.[6] The unification of light and electrical phenomena led to the prediction of the existence of radio waves. Life[edit] Early life, 1831–39[edit] Education, 1839–47[edit] Edinburgh Academy, where Maxwell was schooled ...
James Maxwell Biography - Profile, Childhood, Life & Timeline. Early Life Born on June 13, 1831, James was the only surviving of the two children of John Clerk and Frances Cay. They came from the Clerk family of Penicuik, Midlothian, holders of the baronetcy of Clerk of Penicuik. Since his early days, Maxwell was an inquisitive child. The family’s move to Glenlair further added to his thirst for curiosity. Maxwell’s mother, Frances took up the responsibility of his early education but couldn’t completely fulfil the same due to her demise. His Early Education Grown up in Glenlair in isolation, young Maxwell found it hard to adjust at the Academy. Unlike other children of his age, who paid utmost attention to school examination and performance, Maxwell’s interest were far and beyond. Maxwell, in his free time, experimented with improvised chemical, electric and magnetic apparatuses.
Years at Cambridge In the October of 1850, Maxwell enrolled himself at the University of Cambridge. Years at Aberdeen University Years at King’s College Later Years. James Clerk Maxwell (Scottish mathematician and physicist. James Clerk Maxwell, (born June 13, 1831, Edinburgh, Scotland—died November 5, 1879, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England), Scottish physicist best known for his formulation of electromagnetic theory. He is regarded by most modern physicists as the scientist of the 19th century who had the greatest influence on 20th-century physics, and he is ranked with Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein for the fundamental nature of his contributions. In 1931, on the 100th anniversary of Maxwell’s birth, Einstein described the change in the conception of reality in physics that resulted from Maxwell’s work as “the most profound and the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton.”
The concept of electromagnetic radiation originated with Maxwell, and his field equations, based on Michael Faraday’s observations of the electric and magnetic lines of force, paved the way for Einstein’s special theory of relativity, which established the equivalence of mass and energy. Who Was James Clerk Maxwell? Albert Einstein said: "The special theory of relativity owes its origins to Maxwell's equations of the electromagnetic field.
" Einstein also said: "Since Maxwell's time, physical reality has been thought of as represented by continuous fields, and not capable of any mechanical interpretation. This change in the conception of reality is the most profound and the most fruitful that physics has experienced since the time of Newton" Ivan Tolstoy, in his biography of Maxwell, wrote: “Maxwell's importance in the history of scientific thought is comparable to Einstein’s (whom he inspired) and to Newton’s (whose influence he curtailed)” In 1864 Maxwell, before the Royal Society of London in 'A Dynamic Theory of the Electro-Magnetic Field', said: “We have strong reason to conclude that light itself - including radiant heat and other radiation, if any - is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves propagated through the electro-magnetic field according to electro-magnetic laws.”
Biography - James Clerk Maxwell. By Ann Lamont, B.Sc., M.Ed.St. First published in: Creation 15(3):45-47 What could be more different than magnetism, electricity, and light? Yet, in the nineteenth century, James Clerk Maxwell showed that these phenomena were simply different manifestations of the same fundamental laws. He described all these, as well as radio waves, radar, and radiant heat, by a unique and elegant system of equations.1 James Clerk Maxwell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 13, 1831. He was the only child of John Clerk, an Edinburgh lawyer. Shortly after James' birth, John Clerk and his family moved to a country estate at Glenlair, near Edinburgh, which he inherited from his Maxwell ancestors. James' early education was given by his mother, a dedicated Christian, and included studying the Bible. His mother taught him to see God's scientific genius and compassionate hand in the beauties of nature.
In 1841, James began formal schooling at the Edinburgh Academy. Prize for research Ranked with Newton. Maxwell, James Clerk genealogy family Scotland s People. James Clerk Maxwell. From GHN Biography James Maxwell Tartan A reproduction of a photograph of a tartan ribbon made from Maxwell’s original 3 color separated prints. Made in 1861, it is widely considered to be the first color photograph. Glenlair Maxwell and his wife, Katherine Dewar Maxwell Cavendish Laboratory Born: 13 June 1831 Died: 05 November 1879 James Clerk Maxwell first introduced his mathematical conceptualization of electromagnetic phenomena 150 years ago.
Maxwell was one of the great scientific minds of the 19th century. From Campbell’s writings, Maxwell emerges as man of profound simplicity, extraordinary gentleness and great humility. Maxwell was noted for his sense of humor. The most intriguing aspect of Maxwell’s life that emerges from Campbell’s biography is the co-existence of a brilliant, radically original scientific mind with deeply held religious convictions. In revolutionizing physics, Maxwell set the course of electrical engineering for the next century. Further Reading. James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. James Clerk Maxwell Biography - Sonnet Software. Maxwell's Lightning Rod from Glenlair Jim Rautio, President of Sonnet Software, took a moment at IMS 2011 to show off the lightning rod from the former home of James Clerk Maxwell and talk about their work to restore the historic structure which was nearly destroyed in a fire in 1929.
Toby's Statue - Maxwell’s Home Preserved, His Statue Unveiled As a part of the effort to share the story of James Clerk Maxwell's lifetime accomplishments, Sonnet is pleased to announce a new article by Dr. James C. Rautio, published in the June 2009 issue of the IEEE Microwave Magazine. Within this article, Dr. Rautio shares his personal undertakings, as well as his observations, of the ongoing Maxwell home preservation process.
Download the article The 1997 Digital Preservation of "The Life of James Clerk Maxwell" We know James Clerk Maxwell primarily for Maxwell’s equations. There are very few biographies of Maxwell. In December of 1996, I gained access to a copy. --James C. Download the book. Scotland | South of Scotland | The science world's unsung hero? Ask the man in the street to name his top three physicists of all time and he might - like me - be struggling. It is easy enough to come up with Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton but many of us might then have to start playing for time. My Italian ancestry would make me inclined to throw the name of Galileo Galilei into the ring.
However, much closer to home comes a less-heralded contender for a place in the top trio of physics. The name James Clerk Maxwell provokes more blank stares than it should. However, in scientific circles his achievements stand comfortably beside any other greats of the field. Greatest physicists Four years ago - you could be forgiven if you missed it - his theory of electromagnetism was voted the joint-top equation of all time. Prior to that he landed third spot in a poll of the greatest physicists of all time. James Clerk Maxwell's work led to the development of the telephone and television They would not have to look far to receive an answer.
Maxwell Year 2006 Press Coverage. Edinburgh Evening News, Friday 17th November 2006 Maxwell's in poll positionJANE BRADLEY EDINBURGH'S "forgotten" scientist seems to be well remembered after all. James Clerk Maxwell has topped a poll aimed at finding Scotland's top scientist - coming ahead of such luminaries as John Logie Baird and Alexander Graham Bell. It comes after city physicists mounted a campaign for Maxwell to be given the recognition he deserves.
Said to be an inspiration to Albert Einstein, his research has led to innovations such as mobile phones and microwaves. More than 14,000 people across Scotland voted in the National Library of Scotland's Scottish Science Hall of Fame poll between December 2005 and last month. A short profile of each contender was featured on the library's website, next to pictures of them drawn by Evening News cartoonist Frank Boyle.
He said: "It is fantastic that people are starting to realise what Maxwell has actually contributed to our lives. Return to top Motion tabled. Creator:"Maxwell, James Clerk, 1831-1879" Colour photography - James Clerk Maxwell.