James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell (June 13, 1831–November 5, 1879) was a Scottish mathematical physicist, born in Edinburgh. Maxwell developed a set of equations expressing the basic laws of electricity and magnetism as well as the Maxwell distribution in the kinetic theory of gases. He was the last representative of a younger branch of the well-known Scottish family of Clerk of Penicuik.

Quotations

:"Aye, I suppose I could stay up that late." — Maxwell, on being told on his arrival at Cambridge University that there would be a compulsory 6 a.m. church service.

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:"... I have the capacity of being more wicked than any example that man could set me, and ... if I escape, it is only by God's grace helping me to get rid of myself, partially in science, more completely in society, —but not perfectly except by committing myself to God ..." — Maxwell, circa 1853.

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:"The special theory of relativity owes its origins to Maxwell's equations of the electromagnetic field" — Albert Einstein

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:"He achieved greatness unequalled." — Max Planck

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:"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)" — Ivan Tolstoy (Biographer)

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:"From a long view of the history of mankind - seen from, say, ten thousand years from now - there can be little doubt that the most significant event of the 19th century will be judged as Maxwell's discovery of the laws of electrodynamics. The American Civil War will pale into provincial insignificance in comparison with this important scientific event of the same decade." — Richard Feynman

Related Topics:
Electrodynamics - American Civil War - Richard Feynman

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:"Maxwell's Equations have had a greater impact on human history than any ten presidents." — Carl Sagan

Related Topics:
Maxwell's Equations - Carl Sagan

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