Maxwell on the Electromagnetic Field: A Guided Study

by Thomas K. Simpson

In this volume in the Masterworks of Discovery series, Thomas K. Simpson offers readers a chance to watch one of the greatest minds in physics hard at work. In three papers in mathematical physics written between 1855 and 1864, James Clerk Maxwell grappled with his formulation of the theory of the electromagnetic field.

This volume reproduces major portions of the text of Maxwell's classic papers on concepts that are key to both modern physics and the modern world. Through Simpson's engaginbg commentaries and notes and Anne Farrell's illustrations, readers with limited knowledge of math or physics as well as scientists and historians of science will be able to follow the emergence of Maxwell's ideas and to appreciate the magnitude of his achievement. This book includes a long biographical introduction that explores the personal, historical, and scientific context of Maxwell's book.

Genres: Science, Physics

464 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Andrew Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in-depth study of the first three Maxwell's papers published between 1855 and 1864. In his third paper: "A Dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field" Maxwell presented his elaborated mathematical model of electromagnetism using eight equations, which were later condensed to four famous Maxwell equations, as we know them today. Some people talk about the original twenty equations formulated by Maxwell, but this is only because six of them, when referred to in the Cartesian three dimensions would make 18 of them.

Each of the three papers is followed by a separate section of comments to help clarify some of the original statements, and then each paper is explained in details with modern interpretation of the presented model. Still, it does not make for easy reading, as Maxwell created his model based on existence of an ether, proven not to exist after all. Also some of his definitions in the text have changed since, which was quite confusing while trying to understand the model.

Certainly, if one would like to learn of Maxwell equations, this is not the book to use. Instead, any of the good textbooks should be a much better choice. The book is aimed at those interested in history of science with good understanding of the subject. As such this book is much recommended.

[Alexander Asay · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGA: Philosophy of Science

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Possibly the worst way to go about studying Maxwell. I knew tutors who would agree with that statement.