James Clerk Maxwell- The Man Who Made the Modern World

James Clerk Maxwell is hardly a household name, yet this Scottish physicist was one of Einstein’s heroes. His discoveries helped shape our modern world and those in the know consider him as influential as Newton or Einstein.

He was described as a humble, affectionate man – deeply loved by those close to him – whose modesty may help explain why he isn’t a household name.

Maxwell used his genius to work across a wide range of subjects in the 19th century - astronomy, physiology, colour, optics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism - and changed many of them beyond recognition.

He gave us the laws for one of the four fundamental forces of the Universe, the theory of electromagnetism, which caused a revolution in physics that is still felt today.

His theory changed the way physicists perceived reality for ever, and paved the way for many of the modern devices we all take for granted such as mobile phones, radio and television.

While others were happy to court the limelight and proclaim their genius, Maxwell’s retiring nature and untimely death may have ensured praise went to those who built on his discoveries.