James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell FRSE FRS
Photograph of Maxwell in his 40s
Born	(1831-06-13)13 June 1831 Edinburgh, Scotland
Died	5 November 1879(1879-11-05) (aged 48) Cambridge, England
Resting place	Parton, Kirkcudbrightshire 55°00′24″N 4°02′21″W / 55.006693°N 4.039210°W / 55.006693; -4.039210
Alma mater	University of Edinburgh Peterhouse, Cambridge Trinity College, Cambridge
Known for	Statistical mechanics Maxwell's equations Displacement current Maxwell relations Maxwell–Betti theorem Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics Maxwell–Stefan diffusion Maxwell's demon Maxwell construction Maxwell coupling Kinetic theory of gases Maxwell's discs Maxwell speed distribution Maxwell stress functions Maxwell's theorem Maxwell's theorem (geometry) Maxwell material Maxwell–Huber–Hencky–von Mises theory Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars polarization Maxwell bridge Maxwell coil Maxwell's fish-eye lens Maxwell's spot Maxwell's wheel Maxwell's thermodynamic surface Rings of Saturn Control theory Coherent system of units Chaos theory Dimensional analysis Generalized conic Singularity Structural rigidity
Spouse	Katherine Clerk Maxwell ​ ​ (m. 1858)​
Awards	FRSE FRS Smith's Prize (1854) Adams Prize (1857) Rumford Medal (1860) Keith Prize (1869–1871)
Scientific career
Fields	Physics and mathematics
Institutions	Marischal College, University of Aberdeen King's College, London University of Cambridge
Academic advisors	William Hopkins
Notable students	George Chrystal Horace Lamb John Henry Poynting
Signature

James Clerk Maxwell FRSE FRS (13 June 1831 – 5 November 1879) was a Scottish physicist with broad interests^[1][2] who was responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, which was the first theory to describe 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"^[3] where the first one had been 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. He proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena.^[4] The unification of light and electrical phenomena led to his prediction of the existence of radio waves. Maxwell is also regarded as a founder of the modern field of electrical engineering.^[5]

Maxwell was the first to derive the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution, a statistical means of describing aspects of the kinetic theory of gases, which he worked on sporadically throughout his career.^[6] 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. He is responsible for modern dimensional analysis.^[7][8] Maxwell is also recognized for laying the groundwork for chaos theory.^[9][10]

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.^[11] 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.^[12] 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".^[13] 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."^[14] Tom Siegfried described Maxwell as "one of those once-in-a-century geniuses who perceived the physical world with sharper senses than those around him".^[15]