PHYSICISTS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site Maxwell, James Clerk (1831–1879) Scottish mathematician and physicist who did outstanding theoretical work revealing the existence of electromagnetic radiation. In 1871 Maxwell became the first Cavendish Professor of Experimental Physics at Cambridge, England. He used the theory of the electromagnetic field to derive what are now called Maxwell's equations. These predict the existence of electromagnetic waves. Maxwell also theoretically established (correctly) the nature of Saturn's rings, and did further work in thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. A unit of magnetic flux, the maxwell, was named after him but has now been superceded by the SI unit, the weber. Related entry    • history of electricity Related category    • PHYSICISTS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP