Historical Corner Giuseppe Pelosi University of Florence Via di Santa Marta, 3 1-50139 Florence, Italy Tel: 055-4796-759; Fax: 055-4796-767 E-mail: [email protected].g[email protected]A Tribute to James Clerk Maxwell on the 150th Anniversary of His Equations ( 1864-2014) Foreword by the Associate Editor T his December issue of the Historical Coer of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine cannot be anything less that our humble tribute to James Clerk Maxwell. Indeed, in December 2014 there is a very important anniversary. It was exactly 150 years (December 8, 1864) since James Clerk Maxwell [Edinburgh, Scotland, June 13, 1831 - Cambridge, England, November 5, 1879] presented his dissertation, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field, in which he introduced the equations now bearing his name. The disserta- tion was submitted on October 27, 1864. It was given to the public on December 8, 1864, and published in January 1865 in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Socie ofLondon (Volume 155, pp. 459-512; see Figure 1). In the Historical Coer of the IEEE Antennas Propagation Magazine, and in particular, in the "Foreword by the Associate Editor," this event has already been mentioned in Volume 54, No. 3, pp. 248-249, June 2012, and Volume 54, No. 5, pp. 251- 252, October 2012. Furthermore, recently in the Magazine, several papers were published on James Clerk Maxwell and his equations. Among these were the following: T. K. Sarkar and D. L. Sengupta, "Maxwell, Hertz, the Maxwellians, and the Early History of Electromagnetic Waves," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 50 , 1, April 2003, pp. l3-19 (feature article) G. Pelosi, "James Clerk Maxwell: His Joey to Italy, and the First Color Photograph," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 50 , 1, February 2008, pp. 240-243 (Historical Cor- ner) IEEE Antennas and Ppagation Magazine, Vol. 56, No.6, December 2014 T. K. Sarkar, M. Salazar-Palma, and D. L. Sengupta, "Who Was James Clerk Maxwell and What Was and Is His Electro- magnetic Theory?," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Maga- zine, 51 , 4, August 2009, pp. 97-116 (feature article) V Cantoni and A. P. Morando, "Pavia, April 28-29, 1878: Volta Anniversary and Honorary Degree for Maxwell," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 53, 1, February 2011, pp. 205-210 (Historical Coer; in this paper, letters written by Maxwell, recently discovered and hence not contained in the comprehensive book by P. M. Haan, The Scientc Letters and Papers of James Clerk Mwell, (Cambridge University Press) were published for the first time) V Cantoni and M. Mosconi, "Pavia 1878: Volta Celebrations and Honorary Degrees. The Exhibition at the University of Pavia's Historical Archive," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 53, 6, December 2011, pp. 225-230 (Historical Coer) E. Agastra and S. Selleri, "1. C. Maxwell's Forerunners: Riccardo Felici," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 54 , 3, June 2012, pp. 250-257 (Historical Coer) J. W Arthur, "The Evolution of Maxwell's Equations from 1862 to the Present Day," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 55, 3, 2013, pp. 61-81 (feature article) This special section of the Historical Coer presents two papers. The first is by O. M. Bucci, entitled "From Electro- magnetism to Electromagnetic Field: The Genesis of Maxwell's Equations." Prof. Bucci recently gave a lecture on "The Birth of Maxwell's Equations" at the 44th European Microwave 295
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England, November 5, 1 879] presented his dissertation, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field, in which he
introduced the equations now bearing his name. The disserta
tion was submitted on October 27, 1 864 . It was given to the
public on December 8, 1 864, and published in January 1 865 in
the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (Volume 1 55 , pp. 459-5 12 ; see Figure 1 ) .
In the Historical Corner of the IEEE Antennas Propagation Magazine, and in particular, in the "Foreword by the Associate
Editor," this event has already been mentioned in Volume 54,
No. 3, pp. 248-249, June 20 12, and Volume 54, No. 5, pp. 25 1 -252, October 20 12 . Furthermore, recently in the Magazine, several papers were published on James Clerk Maxwell and his
equations. Among these were the following:
T. K. Sarkar and D. L. Sengupta, "Maxwell, Hertz, the
Maxwellians, and the Early History of Electromagnetic Waves,"
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 50 , 1 , April 2003,
pp. l 3 - 1 9 (feature article)
G. Pelosi, "James Clerk Maxwell: His Journey to Italy, and
the First Color Photograph," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 50 , 1 , February 2008, pp. 240-243 (Historical Cor
ner)
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Vol. 56, No.6, December 2014
T. K. Sarkar, M. Salazar-Palma, and D. L. Sengupta, "Who
Was James Clerk Maxwell and What Was and Is His Electro
magnetic Theory?," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 51 , 4, August 2009, pp. 97- 1 1 6 (feature article)
V. Cantoni and A. P. Morando, "Pavia, April 28-29, 1 878: Volta Anniversary and Honorary Degree for Maxwell," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 53, 1 , February 20 1 1 , pp. 205-2 1 0 (Historical Corner; in this paper, letters written by
Maxwell, recently discovered and hence not contained in the
comprehensive book by P. M. Harman, The Scientific Letters and Papers of James Clerk Maxwell, (Cambridge University
Press) were published for the first time)
V. Cantoni and M. Mosconi, "Pavia 1 878: Volta Celebrations
and Honorary Degrees. The Exhibition at the University of
Pavia's Historical Archive," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 53, 6, December 20 1 1 , pp. 225-230 (Historical
Corner)
E. Agastra and S. Selleri, "1. C. Maxwell's Forerunners:
Riccardo Felici," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 54 , 3, June 20 12 , pp. 250-257 (Historical Corner)
J. W. Arthur, "The Evolution of Maxwell's Equations from
1 862 to the Present Day," IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, 55, 3 , 20 1 3 , pp. 6 1 - 8 1 (feature article)
This special section of the Historical Corner presents two
papers. The first is by O. M. Bucci, entitled "From Electro
magnetism to Electromagnetic Field: The Genesis of Maxwell's
Equations." Prof. Bucci recently gave a lecture on "The Birth
of Maxwell's Equations" at the 44th European Microwave
295
PHILOSOPHICAL
TRANSACTIONS
OF THE
ROYAL SOCIETY
OF
LONDON.
FOR THE YEAR MDCCCLXV.
VOL. 155.
LONDON: PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COUR1', FLEh""X Sl'REE1'.
11 DCCCr.XV.
[ 459 ]
VIII. A D!!namical Theor!! of the Eleotromagnetio Field. B!! J. CLERK MAXWELL, F.R.S.
Received October 2i,-Rcnd December 8, ]864-.
PART L-INTRODUCTOllY.
(1) THE most obvious mechanical phenomenon in electrical and magnetical experiments
is the mutual action by which bodies in certain states set each other in motion while still at a sensible distance from each other. The first step, therefore, in reducing these phenomena into scientific form, is to ascertain the magnitude and direction of the force acting between the bodies, and when it is found that this force dcpenns in a certain way upon the relative position of the bodies and OIl their electric or magnetic condition , it seems at first sight natural to explain the facts by assuming the existence of something either at rest 01' in motion in each body, constituting its electric or magnetic state, and capable of acting at a distance according to mathematical laws.
In this way mathematical theories of statical electricity, of magnetism, of the mechanical action between conductors carrying currents, and of the induction of currents have been formed. In these theories the force acting between the two bodies is treated with
reference only to the condition of the bodies and their relative position, and without any express consideration of the sUlTounding medium.
These theories assume, more 01' less explicitly, the existence of substances the particles of which have the property of acting ou one another at a distance by attraction or repulsion. The most complete development of a theory of this kind is that of, M. VV. WEBER*, who h"" made the same theory include electrostatic and electromagnetic
phenomena. In doing so, however, he has found it necessary to assume that the force between
two electric particles depends on their relative velocity, as well as on their distance. This theory, as developed by MM. W. WEBER and C. NEUMANN'I', is exceedingly
ingenious, and wonderfully comprehensive in its, application to the phenomena of statical electricity, electromagnetic attractions, induction of currcnts "ap.� diamagnetic phenomena ; and it comes to us with the more authority, as it has served to guide thc speculations of one who has made so great an advance in the practical part of electric science, both by introducing a consistent system of units in elcctrica(measurement, and
by actually determining ·electrical quantities with an accuracy hitherto unknown .
• Electrodynamischc MnU8sbcstimmungen. Lcipzic 'l'�r.a.n8. yol, i. 1840, nnd l'Al'I.Olt'S Scientific lIIcmoirs, vol. ,', nrt. xiv.
t II Explicare tentatur quomodo fiat ut Iuds planum polarizationis per vires e10ctricns ,'c1 magnctico.s dedincinr."-Halis Saxonuffi, 1838.
IIDCCCLXV. 3R
Figure 1 . The first page of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, in which James Clerk Maxwell published his dissertation, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field. A curiosity: in the same issue can be found papers on extinct mammals, sea water composition, magnetic properties of ironclad battleships, forammifera, frog tongues, and many other topics.
296 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Vol. 56, No.6, December 2014
"'"f'--
A TLASTIC OCEAN
Figure 2. Scotland was James Clerk Maxwell' s homeland, to which he was always tightly bound. He was born in Edinburgh, where he also studied at the local academia and university. He briefly taught at the University of Aberdeen, and lived much part of his life in the family country house of Glenlair (where an IEEE Milestone was placed).
Conference (EuMA, October 7, 2014). The second paper is by
E. Agastra and S. Selleri, entitled "The Pavers of Maxwell's
Pathway to his Equations."
Maxwell's ties to his homeland, Scotland, are pictured in
Figure 2.
In addition, the cover of this issue of the Magazine is
dedicated to J. C. Maxwell, and deserves some explanation.
Figure 3 provides a numerical key to the cover. Explanations
for the various sections are provided below:
1. A portrait of James Clerk Maxwell [Edinburgh,
Scotland, June 13, 1831 - Cambridge, England,
November 5, 1879]. This photo has important value,
since it portrays J. C. Maxwell in his 30s, and hence
is contemporary to the dissertation being celebrated.
2. This shows 1. C. Maxwell's birthplace, in Edinburgh,
Scotland, at 14 India Street, a house in Edinburgh's
elegant Georgian New Town. The house today is the
home of the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation, and
houses a small museum related to his work. (http://
www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org)
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine, Vol. 56, No.6, December 2014
3. This shows Glenlair House, Castle Douglas, Kirk
cudbrightshire, in Dumfries and Galloway, UK.
This was the country house of the Maxwells. Born
in Edinburgh in 1831, James Clerk Maxwell moved
with his father John to Glenlair soon afterwards, and
lived mostly there until his death on November 5,
1879. The right wing in the photograph was built by
J. C. Maxwell. The house was largely destroyed by
fire in 1929, although the oldest part, designed by
Walter Newall, was completely renovated in 1993,
and a visitors' center was established in the original
porch.
4. This is the front page of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (155, 1865), in
which James Clerk Maxwell published his disser
tation, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field .
5. This shows the Royal Society, where 1. C. Maxwell
gave his lecture, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field . The Royal Society is a self
governing fellowship of many of the world's most
®
�" . , '''''�_i'-;
Figure 3. The cover presents Maxwell, his dissertation, and key places. It has a threefold interpretation : On the top-left to bottom-right diagonal of the picture there is the mind, James Clerk Maxwell, and his seminal work; off-diagonal blocks shows key places for Maxwell; and the temporal line of Maxwell' s career can be read clockwise. The key to each numbered section in this figure is given in the text.
297
distinguished scientists, drawn from all areas of
science, engineering, and medicine. The Society
was founded in 1660 to recognize, promote, and
support excellence in science, and to encourage the
development and use of science for the benefit of
humanity. The Society has played a part in some of
the most fundamental, significant, and life-chang
ing discoveries in scientific history. Royal Society
scientists continue to make outstanding contribu
tions to science in many research areas. The Royal
Society is the national academy of science in the
UK, and its core are its Fellowship and Foreign
Membership, supported by a dedicated staff in
London and elsewhere. The Fellowship comprises
the most eminent scientists of the UK, Ireland, and
the Commonwealth.
6. A photo of the Old Cavendish Laboratory, the
Department of Physics at the University of Cam
bridge, part of the University's School of Physical
Sciences. It was opened in 1874 as a teaching
laboratory. It was named to commemorate British
chemist and physicist Henry Cavendish, for
contributions to science, and his relative, William
298
Cavendish, seventh Duke of Devonshire, who
served as Chancellor of the University and donated
money for the construction of the laboratory. Prof.
James Clerk Maxwell was a founder of the lab, and
became the first Cavendish Professor of Physics
in 1871. The Duke of Devonshire had given to
Maxwell, as Head of the Laboratory, the manu
scripts of Henry Cavendish's unpublished "Electri
cal Works." The editing and publishing of these was
Maxwell's main scientific work while he was at the
laboratory. Cavendish's work aroused Maxwell's
intense admiration, and he decided to call the
laboratory (formerly known as the Devonshire
Laboratory) the Cavendish Laboratory, and to thus
commemorate both the Duke and Henry Cavendish.
7. James Clerk Maxwell is buried, with his parents and
his wife, within the ruins of the Old Kirk (1592),
which lies in the graveyard of Parton Parish Church
(1834). The Old Kirk, roofless, with just front and
side walls, is shown in the photo. Parton is about
seven miles by road from Maxwell House at
Glenlair.
IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine. Vol. 56, No.6, December 2014