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Related Concept Videos

Maxwell's Thermodynamic Relations01:23

Maxwell's Thermodynamic Relations

Maxwell's thermodynamic relations are very useful in solving problems in thermodynamics. Each of Maxwell's relations relates a partial differential between quantities that can be hard to measure experimentally to a partial differential between quantities that can be easily measured. These relations are a set of equations derivable from the symmetry of the second derivatives and the thermodynamic potentials.
All thermodynamic potentials are exact differentials. Therefore, their second-order...
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Maxwell's Equation Of Electromagnetism

James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) was one of the major contributors to physics in the nineteenth century. Although he died young, he made major contributions to the development of the kinetic theory of gases, to the understanding of color vision, and to understanding the nature of Saturn's rings. He is probably best known for having combined existing knowledge on the laws of electricity and magnetism with his insights into a complete overarching electromagnetic theory, which is represented by...
Symmetry in Maxwell's Equations01:28

Symmetry in Maxwell's Equations

Once the fields have been calculated using Maxwell's four equations, the Lorentz force equation gives the force that the fields exert on a charged particle moving with a certain velocity. The Lorentz force equation combines the force of the electric field and of the magnetic field on the moving charge. Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law together encompass all the laws of electricity and magnetism. The symmetry that Maxwell introduced into his mathematical framework may not be...
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Maxam-Gilbert Sequencing

In the same year as the discovery of the Sanger sequencing method, another group of scientists, Allan Maxam and Walter Gilbert, demonstrated their chemical-cleavage method for DNA sequencing. The Maxam-Gilbert method relies on using different chemicals that can cleave the DNA sequence at specific sites, the separation of resulting DNA fragments of variable size using electrophoresis, and deciphering the DNA sequence from the resulting gel bands.
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Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution: Problem Solving01:20

Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution: Problem Solving

Individual molecules in a gas move in random directions, but a gas containing numerous molecules has a predictable distribution of molecular speeds, which is known as the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution, f(v).
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Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane02:02

Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane

The chair conformation is the most stable form of cyclohexane due to the absence of angle and torsional strain. The absence of angle strain is a result of cyclohexane’s bond angle being very close to the ideal tetrahedral bond angle of 109.5° in its chair conformer. Similarly, the torsional strain is also absent owing to the perfectly staggered arrangement of bonds.
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James Clerk Maxwell 150 years on.

Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences·2008
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James Clerk Maxwell's Scottish chair.

John S Reid1

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. j.s.reid@abdn.ac.uk

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|January 30, 2008
PubMed
Summary

James Clerk Maxwell was an effective natural philosophy professor at Marischal College, Aberdeen. Contrary to popular belief, he was not sacked, and this study details his teaching and reasons for leaving.

Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • History of Science

Background:

  • Biographical details of James Clerk Maxwell's tenure as professor of natural philosophy at Marischal College, Aberdeen, are often incomplete.
  • Existing biographies frequently omit key aspects of his academic life during this period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a detailed account of Maxwell's professorship at Marischal College.
  • To explore the curriculum, colleagues, students, and teaching activities during his tenure.
  • To challenge the misconception of Maxwell as an ineffective teacher and clarify the reasons for his departure.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of historical records and biographical information.
  • Examination of the natural philosophy degree program at Marischal College.
  • Review of evidence regarding Maxwell's teaching effectiveness and professional relationships.

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Main Results:

  • Maxwell was an enthusiastic and effective teacher, contrary to some historical accounts.
  • The study details the curriculum, colleagues, students, and teaching activities.
  • Evidence refutes the myth that Maxwell was sacked from the University of Aberdeen.

Conclusions:

  • Maxwell's time at Marischal College was significant and productive.
  • His teaching was effective, and his departure was voluntary.
  • This research fills crucial gaps in the understanding of Maxwell's early academic career.