James Clerk Maxwell and Modern Physics. By R. T. Glazebrook,
F.E.S. (Cassell and Co.)—Mr. Glazebrook borrows, with due acknowledgment, his biographical details from the Life written by Professor Lewis Campbell and Dr. Garnett. His account and estimate of J. C. Maxwell's scientific work are his own,—no one is better qualified for the task of making them than he. Maxwell's first research was communicated to the Royal Society of Edin- burgh when its author was still some months short of fifteen. It was "On the Description of Oval Curves and those having a Plurality of Foci." P.O. Tait was his contemporary at school, and we are not surprised to hear that the impression made on a school- fellow was that the two knew more about physical science than their teacher. He went to Edinburgh and thence to Cambridge. Peterhouse was his first college, but he migrated to Trinity in his first term. In the Tripos he came out second, Mr. Routh, the most famous of coaches, being first. For the Smith's prizes they were bracketed. From this time he devoted himself to researches which have altered, it is not too much to say, the whole aspect of physical science. He died in his forty-ninth year.
Previous page
