James Clerk Maxwell: The Quiet Revolution in Physics

Ian Poole tells us about one of his heros – James Clerk Maxwell, who made one of the greatest discoveries in physics, uniting electricity, magnetism and light. Featuring live demonstrations and a musical interlude by Andy Munro!

Born in Edinburgh and working from his family home at Glenlair, James Clerk Maxwell made one of the greatest discoveries in physics: he showed that electricity, magnetism and light are aspects of the same phenomenon. His equations predicted electromagnetic waves long before they were detected, and he announced this with extraordinary modesty. With practical demonstrations, poetry and a musical interlude by Andy Munro… this talk explores Maxwell’s life, his iconic equations and the quiet revolution they sparked.

The talk is a repeat of a Science Café delivered in January.