The Electric Theories of J. Clerk Maxwell

The Electric Theories of J. Clerk Maxwell PDF

Author: Pierre Maurice Marie Duhem

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-06-01

Total Pages: 191

ISBN-13: 3319185152

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In this volume Pierre Duhem first gives an overview of 19th century electricity and magnetism. Next, he applies his keen historical, philosophical, and physical intuition to critiquing Maxwell’s theories, especially his electromagnetic theory of light and the ad hoc introduction of displacement current, which he considers too much a product of the “esprit de géométrie” than the “esprit de finesse,” as Pascal calls it. In this book, Duhem is guided by the principle that a theory that offers contradictions, even if the theory is posed by a genius, needs to be analysed and discussed until a clear distinction can be made between the propositions likely to be logically demonstrated and statements that offend logic and which must be transformed or rejected. Furthermore, Duhem felt, in criticizing such a theory one must guard against narrowness of mind and petty corrections which would make one forget the merit of the inventor; and, more importantly, one must guard against the blind superstition which, for admiration of the author, would hide the serious defects of the work. He is not so great a genius that he surpasses the laws of reason. Pierre Duhem (1861-1916), chairman of theoretical physics at Bordeaux in 1984-1916, is well-known for his works in the history and philosophy of science.

James Clerk Maxwell and the Theory of the Electromagnetic Field

James Clerk Maxwell and the Theory of the Electromagnetic Field PDF

Author: John Hendry

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 1986

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13:

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This book traces the development of Maxwell's theory from his first thoughts on electromagnetism through to the completion of his influential Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism, and shows how this development was related not only to contemporary scientific events but also to Maxwell's personal philosophy of science and life. While primarily concerned with the endeavours and achievements of one individual scientist, it also offers a stimulating and forceful challenge to the traditional historiography of 19th century physics as a whole. Of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students of physics or history of science and teachers of physics at school, college or university levels.

A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field

A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field PDF

Author: James C. Maxwell

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 1996-12-03

Total Pages: 119

ISBN-13: 1579100155

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"We owe Clerk Maxwell the precise formulation of the space-time laws of electromagnetic fields. Imagine his own feelings when the partial differential equations he formulated spread in the form of polarized waves with the speed of light! This change in the understanding of the structure of reality is the most profound and fruitful that has come to physics since Newton."--Albert Einstein

Electromagnetic Theory

Electromagnetic Theory PDF

Author: James Clerk Maxwell

Publisher: Blurb

Published: 2021-07-19

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 9781006738821

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In 1865 James Clerk Maxwell (1831 - 1879) published this work, "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" demonstrating that electric and magnetic fields travel through space as waves moving at the speed of light. He proposed that light is an undulation in the same medium that is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena. The unification of light and electrical phenomena led him to predict the existence of radio waves. Maxwell is also regarded as the founding scientist of the modern field of electrical engineering. His discoveries helped usher in the era of modern physics, laying the foundation for such fields as special relativity and quantum mechanics. Many physicists regard Maxwell as the 19th-century scientist having the greatest influence on 20th-century physics. His contributions to physics are considered by many to be of the same magnitude as the ones of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. In this original treatise Maxwell introduces the best of his mind in seven parts, to include: Part i. introductory. Part ii. on electromagnetic induction. Part iii. general equations of the electromagnetic field. Part iv. mechanical actions in the field. Part v. theory of condensers. Part vi. electromagnetic theory of light. Part vii. calculation of the coefficients of electromagnetic induction

James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell PDF

Author: Joseph John Thomson

Publisher: CUP Archive

Published:

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13:

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Dalibor Paar presents a biographical sketch of Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). The sketch outlines Maxwell's career. Paar highlights Maxwell's work in the areas of electromagnetism and the kinetic theory of gases.

An Elementary Treatise on Electricity

An Elementary Treatise on Electricity PDF

Author: James Clerk Maxwell

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2005-01-01

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 0486438848

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Maxwell made numerous contributions to science, but his greatest work was devoted to electricity. Here, he describes experiments proving that the electric charge can be measured. 1888 edition.

On Faraday's Lines of Force

On Faraday's Lines of Force PDF

Author: James Clerk Maxwell

Publisher: DigiCat

Published: 2023-11-17

Total Pages: 79

ISBN-13:

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This mathematics based book has the purpose of explaining Faraday's lines of force in mathematical terms. One would need a good grasp Faraday's theories, basic physics, and mathematical algebra to fully comprehend the arguments put forth.