"We owe Clerk Maxwell the precise formulation of the space-time laws of electromagnetic fields. Imagine his own feelings when the partial differential equations he formulated spread in the form of polarized waves with the speed of light! This change in the understanding of the structure of reality is the most profound and fruitful that has come to physics since Newton."--Albert Einstein

Siegel's close analysis of the original texts - with careful attention to the equations as well as to the words - reveals that mechanical modeling played a crucial role in Maxwell's initial conceptualizations of the displacement current and the electromagnetic character of light.

This book traces the development of Maxwell's theory from his first thoughts on electromagnetism through to the completion of his influential Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism, and shows how this development was related not only to contemporary scientific events but also to Maxwell's personal philosophy of science and life. While primarily concerned with the endeavours and achievements of one individual scientist, it also offers a stimulating and forceful challenge to the traditional historiography of 19th century physics as a whole. Of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students of physics or history of science and teachers of physics at school, college or university levels.

Reproduces major portions of Maxwell's classic papers on key concepts in modern physics, written between 1855 and 1864, along with commentaries, notes, and bandw diagrams. Includes a detailed biographical introduction exploring the personal, historical, and scientific context of his work. Designed to be accessible to readers with limited knowledge of math or physics, as well as scientists and historians of science. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR