
Scottish physicist (1831–1879)
1831 — 1879
Quick Facts
Profession
Scottish physicist (1831–1879)
Born
June 13, 1831
Died
1879 (age ~48)
Name Origin
English
Timeline
photographer, teacher, physicist
1831
Born in Edinburgh (1831-06-13)
1841
EducationStudied at Edinburgh Academy (1841–1847)
1847
EducationStudied at University of Edinburgh (1847–1850)
1850
EducationStudied at Peterhouse (1850–1851)
1851
EducationStudied at Trinity College (1851–1854)
1854
AwardAbout
James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist and mathematician who was responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, which was the first theory to describe electricity, magnetism and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon. Maxwell's equations for electromagnetism achieved the second great unification in physics, where the first one had been realised by Isaac Newton. Maxwell was also key in the creation of statistical mechanics.
Read more on Wikipedia →Frequently Asked Questions
James Clerk Maxwell was a Scottish physicist and mathematician who was responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, which was the first theory to describe electricity, magnetism and light as different manifestations of the same phenomenon. Maxwell's equations for electromagneti
The name James means "The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.". It is of English origin.
James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831.
James Clerk Maxwell died in 1879, at approximately 48 years of age.
Name Meaning
The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.
The name James is of English origin, meaning "The twentieth book of the New Testament of the Bible, the general epistle of James.. Etymology: The English New Testament form of Jacob, from James, from James, from Iācōmus, spoken and altered pronunciation of Iācōbus, from , from , from tr=Yaʿăqōḇ. Santiago. In reference to the Ecuadorian island, a modification of the earlier name Duke of York's Island after its eponymous duke's coronation as James II of England. See Jacme for an intermediary between James and Jaume.". It is traditionally a male name.
Other famous people named James
James Joyce
Irish novelist and poet (1882–1941)
James Carter
president of the United States from 1977 to 1981 (1924–2024)
James Cook
British explorer, cartographer and naval officer (1728–1779)
James Madison
President of the United States from 1809 to 1817 (1751–1836)
James Watt
British engineer (1736–1819)
James Monroe
president of the United States from 1817 to 1825 (1758–1831)
James — June 13, 1831
Zodiac & Calendar Signs
Western Zodiac
Gemini
Curious, adaptable, communicative
Air · Mercury · May 21 – Jun 20
Chinese Zodiac
Rabbit
Quiet, elegant, kind
Metal · Yin
Mayan Tzolkin
3 Cauac
Storm — catalyst, energy, self-generation
Celtic Tree
Oak
Confident, nurturing, generous
Ogham: Duir · Jun 10 – Jul 7
Would you name your baby James?
Guestbook
History remembers. So do I.
— an admirer
The field isn't the same without you in it.
— a colleague
Actions
Smith's Prize
1856
AwardFellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh
1857
AwardAdams Prize
1860
AwardRumford Medal
1861
AwardFellow of the Royal Society
1871
PositionCavendish Professor of Physics (1871–1879)
1879
Died in Cambridge