James C. Maxwell
James C. Maxwell
James Clerk Maxwell FRS FRSEwas a Scottish scientist in the field of mathematical physics. 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" after the first one realised by Isaac Newton...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionMathematician
Date of Birth13 June 1831
aim determination exact founded laws nature operations physical quantities reduce relations sciences
All the mathematical sciences are founded on relations between physical laws and laws of numbers, so that the aim of exact science is to reduce the problems of nature to the determination of quantities by operations with numbers.
carry constants few great left men occupation physical science
In a few years, all great physical constants will have been approximately estimated, and that the only occupation which will be left to men of science will be to carry these measurements to another place of decimals.
above account certain existence finite higher influences magnitude physical produce rank singular taken whose
Every existence above a certain rank has its singular points; the higher the rank the more of them. At these points, influences whose physical magnitude is too small to be taken account of by a finite being may produce results of the greatest importance.
atoms equally exist extent full hard infinite infinitely itself man material matter mind perplexed places
The mind of man has perplexed itself with many hard questions. Is space infinite, and in what sense? Is the material world infinite in extent, and are all places within that extent equally full of matter? Do atoms exist or is matter infinitely divisible?
man
I have the capacity of being more wicked than any example that man could set me.
arithmetic complete four regarded
The numbers may be said to rule the whole world of quantity, and the four rules of arithmetic may be regarded as the complete equipment of the mathematician.
flatter human mere possess unable
Mathematicians may flatter themselves that they possess new ideas which mere human language is as yet unable to express.