James Clerk Maxwell

James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) was undoubtedly one of the greatest physicists - Einstein had Jame’s portrait on the wall to inspire him.

James insights into the principles of electromagnetism laid the foundation for our modern world; radio, television, smart phones and the internet.

James was born on the 13th June 1831 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was an extraordinarily curious child, he would investigate everything he could find.

He grew up in a deeply Christian home and by the age of 8 could recite all 176 verses of Psalm 119.

He went to Cambridge University and subjected his Christian beliefs to a thorough analysis.* After a conversion experience he took hold of a mature and confident faith that would endure throughout his life* J. John.

He applied his intellect and his mathematical skills to many subjects. His greatest achievement was that he able to unite what had been considered 3 separate phenomena- electricity, magnetism and light. Albert Einstein said one scientific epoch ended and another began with James Clerk Maxwell.

At his Cavendish Laboratory he had inscribed on the doors
Great are the works of the Lord; they ponder by all who delight in them.
Psalm 111 v 2

His faith satisfied, stimulated and supported him. He was committed to his Christian faith. He believed because God had created the universe we should try to understand it. He may have lost his mother when he was only 8, his father when he was in his twenties, and his wife in her forties but he confidently quoted the Bible and was grateful that he knew God in Christ.

He belonged to an evangelical Presbyterian church and in his later years became a church elder.

He died, aged 48, on 5th November 1879. The minister who visited him in his last few weeks that he spent his last days with a faith that was confident ‘in the gospel of the Saviour.’

He was one of the greatest physicists who ever lived but he also openly declared his Christian beliefs.

James* sat at the feet of Christ and so should we J.John