James Clerk Maxwell

Physicist

Birthday June 13, 1831

Birth Sign Gemini

Birthplace Scotland

DEATH DATE Nov 5, 1879 (48)

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About

Scottish physicist who is considered by some to be the father of modern physics because of his discovery of electromagnetism. His research laid the groundwork for such fields as special relativity and quantum mechanics.

Before Fame

He studied in Cambridge, where he returned later to teach and lead his research.

Trivia

In his 1865 publication, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field in 1865, he proved that electric and magnetic fields travel through space as waves moving at the speed of light.

Family Life

A man of great faith, he cared for his deathly sick wife even when stricken with the same debilitating sickness.

Associated With

Michael Faraday was his greatest inspiration, and published his most important discovery the same year James was born.