James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1831. He proved that electricity, magnetism, and light are all forms of the same thing. Einstein called Maxwell's work the most profound in physics since Newton.

Early Life

Maxwell was very curious as a child and constantly asked 'What's the go of that?' He published his first scientific paper at age 14. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and then Cambridge.

The house at 14 India Street where James Clerk Maxwell was born.
The house at 14 India Street where James Clerk Maxwell was born. (Stephencdickson / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Discoveries

Maxwell wrote four equations that explain how electricity and magnetism work together. He proved that light is an electromagnetic wave. His work led to the invention of radio, TV, and radar. He also took the first color photograph.

Fun Facts

  • Maxwell published his first scientific paper at age 14.
  • He took the first permanent color photograph in 1861.
  • Einstein kept a picture of Maxwell on his study wall next to Newton and Faraday.

Did You Know?

Maxwell's equations are considered one of the greatest achievements in physics. They unified electricity, magnetism, and light into one theory. Without his work, we would not have radio, TV, cell phones, or WiFi.