James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell was born to John Clerk Maxwell and Frances Cay in Edinburgh, Scotland. His family was part of the Scottish gentry and had a strong interest in science and mathematics.

At the age of 10, Maxwell begins his formal education at Edinburgh Academy, where he excels in mathematics and science, despite initial struggles with social adaptation.

At 16, Maxwell publishes his first scientific paper, 'On the Description of Oval Curves and Those Having a Plurality of Foci,' in the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Maxwell enrolls at the University of Edinburgh, where he studies mathematics and physics. He develops a deep interest in electromagnetism and optics during his time there.

Maxwell graduates from Trinity College, Cambridge, with a degree in mathematics. He becomes a fellow and lecturer at the college, focusing on his research in physics.

Maxwell is appointed to the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Marischal College, Aberdeen, where he continues his groundbreaking work in electromagnetism and thermodynamics.

Maxwell publishes 'On Physical Lines of Force,' a seminal paper that introduces the concept of electromagnetic fields and lays the foundation for modern physics.

Maxwell retires from his professorship at King's College London and moves to Glenlair, his family estate in Galloway, where he continues his research and writing.

Maxwell is appointed the first Cavendish Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge, where he establishes the Cavendish Laboratory, a center for experimental physics.

Maxwell publishes 'A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism,' a comprehensive work that unifies the theories of electricity and magnetism and introduces Maxwell's equations.

James Clerk Maxwell dies in Cambridge, England, after a battle with abdominal cancer. His work continues to influence physics and engineering to this day.