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James Clerk Maxwell

Scottish physicist known for electromagnetic theory

James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist who formulated the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation. His work on electromagnetism and light laid the foundation for modern physics, influencing fields like special relativity and quantum mechanics. Maxwell is considered one of the greatest physicists of all time, alongside Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein.

Related

Quantum Mechanics Michael Faraday James Dyson Robert Watson-Watt Carl Friedrich Gauss Albert Einstein J. Robert Oppenheimer James Callaghan Theory of Relativity Ludwig Boltzmann

Timeline

Birth of James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831 at 14 India Street.

Birth of James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell was born on November 3, 1831, at 14 India Street, Edinburgh to John Clerk, an advocate, and Frances Cay.

James Clerk Maxwell moved to Glenlair

In 1833, James Clerk Maxwell moved to Glenlair.

Maxwell's Mother's Letter

On March 8, 1839, a passage added to a letter from Maxwell's father to his sister-in-law Jane Cay mentioned his mother's description of his innate sense of inquisitiveness.

James Clerk Maxwell arrives at 31 Heriot Row

James Clerk Maxwell, along with his family, arrived at 31 Heriot Row, the house of his father's sister, Isabella Wedderburn, on November 18, 1841. He attended Edinburgh Academy and was known by the nickname 'Dafty'.

Robert Davidson's Demonstration

James Clerk Maxwell attended Robert Davidson's demonstration of electric propulsion and magnetic force on 12 February 1842. This experience had profound implications for Maxwell's interest in science and technology.

Publication of Maxwell's First Scientific Paper

At the age of 14, James Clerk Maxwell published his first scientific paper on the mathematics of oval curves and ellipses. This early achievement showcased his exceptional talent and set the stage for his future groundbreaking work in various scientific fields.

Maxwell's first paper On the description of oval curves

In early 1846 at the age of 14, James Clerk Maxwell wrote a paper on ovals where he generalized the definition of an ellipse by defining the locus of a point based on the sum of distances from fixed points. This work introduced curves with more than two foci and was remarkable for his young age.

Enrolled in University of Edinburgh

James Clerk Maxwell enrolled in the University of Edinburgh on August 1, 1847.

James Clerk Maxwell starts at Peterhouse Cambridge

In October 1850, James Clerk Maxwell began his studies at Peterhouse Cambridge. He later moved to Trinity College believing it would be easier to obtain a fellowship.

Maxwell studies under William Hopkins

In November 1851, Maxwell studied under William Hopkins, a renowned mathematician known as the 'senior wrangler-maker'. This experience played a significant role in shaping Maxwell's mathematical abilities.

Graduation from Cambridge University's Trinity College

He graduated from Cambridge University's Trinity College in 1854 at the age of 23.

Maxwell becomes a fellow of Trinity

On 10 October 1855, Maxwell was made a fellow of Trinity, a prestigious honor that he achieved sooner than expected. This recognition further solidified Maxwell's position in the academic and scientific community.

Maxwell's Appointment at Marischal College

In early 1856, Maxwell's father fell ill, prompting Maxwell to seek a position in Scotland to be closer to him. After his father's passing on April 3, Maxwell returned to Cambridge but soon learned that he had been appointed as the Professor of Natural Philosophy at Marischal College.

James Clerk Maxwell awarded Adam's Prize

In 1859, James Clerk Maxwell was awarded the Adam's Prize for his theory proposing that Saturn's rings are composed of tiny particles, which he presented in his book 'On the Stability of the Motion of Saturn's Rings'.

Maxwell asks Faraday to act as a referee for the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh

In 1859, when the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh became vacant, Maxwell requested Faraday to serve as a referee for him. Despite his exceptional scientific achievements, Maxwell lost the position to Tait, as noted by the Edinburgh paper Courant.

James Clerk Maxwell took professorship at King's College

On March 31, 1860, James Clerk Maxwell accepted a professorship at King's College. This marked a significant milestone in his academic career.

Maxwell's Equations by James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell formulated Maxwell's equations in 1861, a set of fundamental equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields interact, laying the foundation for electromagnetism.

Maxwell's Theory on Light and Electromagnetic Phenomena

In 1861, Maxwell published a paper titled 'On physical lines of force' in the Phil. Mag. Vols. 21 & 23, where he calculated that electric and magnetic effects travel at the speed of light. He suggested that light consists of transverse undulations in the same medium that causes electric and magnetic phenomena.

Publication of 'On Physical Lines of Force'

In March 1861, Maxwell's work 'On Physical Lines of Force' was published, further elaborating on his theories of electricity and magnetism. This publication solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the field.

Maxwell's calculation on the speed of propagation of electromagnetic field

Around 1862, James Clerk Maxwell calculated that the speed of propagation of an electromagnetic field is similar to the speed of light. He suggested that light is an electromagnetic phenomenon.

Presentation of Maxwell's Equations

In 1864, Maxwell presented his famous oral presentation 'Dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field' to the Royal Society. This presentation contained what is now known as 'Maxwell's Equations' and proposed that light itself is an electromagnetic disturbance in the form of waves, following electromagnetic laws.

Continuation of Maxwell's Electromagnetic Field Theory

In 1865, Maxwell continued his work on the 'Dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field', further exploring the concept of light as an electromagnetic disturbance. This paper contributed to the development of electromagnetic theory.

Maxwell-Boltzmann Kinetic Theory of Gases Formulated

In 1866, James Clerk Maxwell formulated the Maxwell-Boltzmann kinetic theory of gases independently of Ludwig Boltzmann. This theory revolutionized the understanding of temperatures and heat by emphasizing molecular movement over the traditional concept of heat flow.

Maxwell becomes the first Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge

In 1871, James Clerk Maxwell became the first Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge University, where he played a crucial role in establishing the Cavendish Laboratory.

James Clerk Maxwell's Electromagnetic Theory

In 1873, James Clerk Maxwell published his groundbreaking theory on the connection between light, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic waves, which are traveling waves of energy.

Maxwell establishes Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge

In 1874, Maxwell set up the renowned Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University where he served as the first professor of experimental physics. The laboratory became a pioneering center for scientific research and experimentation.

Awarded Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), University of Oxford

In 1876, he was awarded the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) by the University of Oxford.

Publication of 'Matter and Motion'

In 1877, he published the book 'Matter and Motion'.

Delivers Rede Lecture at Cambridge: 'The Telephone'

In 1878, he delivered the Rede Lecture at Cambridge on the topic of 'The Telephone'.

Death of a prominent figure in Cambridge

A prominent figure passed away in Cambridge due to abdominal cancer on March 9, 1879.

Death of James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell passed away on May 11, 1879, in Cambridge, England due to abdominal cancer, the same illness that his mother had. He was a renowned physicist known for his contributions to the field of electromagnetism.

Death of James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell, the Scottish mathematician known for his significant contributions to various scientific fields, passed away in Cambridge, England.

Publication of The life of James Clerk Maxwell by L Campbell and W Garnett

In 1882, L Campbell and W Garnett published a biography titled The life of James Clerk Maxwell, shedding light on the life of the renowned physicist.

Publication of James Clerk Maxwell: Physicist and Modern Physics by R T Glazebrook

In 1896, R T Glazebrook published a book titled James Clerk Maxwell: Physicist and Modern Physics, focusing on Maxwell's impact on modern physics.

Einstein's Tribute to James Clerk Maxwell

In 1931, on the 100th anniversary of Maxwell’s birth, Albert Einstein praised Maxwell's work, describing it as the most profound and fruitful change in the conception of reality in physics since Newton's time.

Publication of James Clerk Maxwell: Physicist and Natural Philosopher by C W F Everitt

In 1975, C W F Everitt published a book titled James Clerk Maxwell: Physicist and Natural Philosopher, exploring Maxwell's contributions to physics and philosophy.

Publication of James Clerk Maxwell by E G Forbes

In 1982, E G Forbes published a book dedicated to James Clerk Maxwell, delving into his life and work.

Publication of The scientific letters and papers of James Clerk Maxwell Vol. I. 1846-1862 by P M Harman

In 1990, P M Harman edited and published the first volume of The scientific letters and papers of James Clerk Maxwell, covering the period from 1846 to 1862.

Publication of The scientific letters and papers of James Clerk Maxwell Vol. II. 1862-1873 by P M Harman

In 1995, P M Harman edited and published the second volume of The scientific letters and papers of James Clerk Maxwell, covering the period from 1862 to 1873.

Maxwell Year 2006

A year dedicated to celebrating the life and work of the renowned physicist James Clerk Maxwell.

End of the Timeline
James Clerk Maxwell

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