Maxwell's Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism brought about what Einstein called "the greatest change in the axiomatic basis of physics since Newton." But Maxwell's aim was never to construct an axiomatic theory. Instead, the Treatise presents an argument which, beginning with the most characteristic electrical and magnetic phenomena, and interpreting them as manifestations of continuous fields of electric and magnetic energy, culminates in Maxwell's theory of light as a wave motion within those fields. The argument of the Treatise is not straightforwardly demon­strative but is a dialectical one that can be challenging to discern among the many topics presented. This book undertakes to extract and expound the principal path of Maxwell's dialectical thinking.

Volume 1 of an important foundation work of modern physics describes electrostatic phenomena and develops a mathematical theory of electricity. Topics include electrical work and energy in a system of conductors, mechanical action between two electrical systems, spherical harmonics, electric current, conduction and resistance, electrolysis, and other subjects. 1891 edition.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

What is that strange and mysterious force that pulls one magnet towards another, yet seems to operate through empty space? This is the elusive force of magnetism. Stephen J. Blundell considers early theories of magnetism, the discovery that Earth is a magnet, and the importance of magnetism in modern technology.