James Clerk Maxwell Collection

James Clerk Maxwell, caricature
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). Caricature of the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell. Maxwells works cover a wide area of science

Observatories on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, at sunrise. Left to right they are: Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Submillimeter Array, Subaru Telescope

James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), Scottish theoretical physicist (colour litho)
817362 James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), Scottish theoretical physicist (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)

Mrs John Clerk Maxwell (nee Frances Cay) and her Son James, 1833. Creator: William Dyce
Mrs John Clerk Maxwell (nee Frances Cay) and her Son James, 1833

James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879), Scottish theoretical physicist, 1882
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879). Scottish theoretical physicist. From Campbell & Garnett The Life of James Clerk Maxwell, 1882

James Clerk Maxwells (1831-1879) comparison apparatus, 1880
James Clerk Maxwells (1831-1879) apparatus for the comparison of electrostatic and electromagnetic units, 1880. From A Physical Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by JEH Gordon, (London, 1880)

Mauna Kea telescopes
Mauna Kea observatories. View across the summit of the volcano Mauna Kea (in Hawaii, USA) showing its cluster of astronomical observatories

Mirrors of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, JCMT
James Clerk Maxwell telescope. View of the primary and secondary mirrors of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). JCMT is a 15 metre telescope designed for observations at millimetre

The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT)
James Clerk Maxwell telescope. View of the open observatory housing the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). JCMT is a 15 metre telescope designed for observations at millimetre

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James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish theoretical physicist, was an extraordinary mind who made significant contributions to the field of physics. His brilliance is captured in this colourful lithograph caricature, showcasing his distinctive appearance and intellect. Maxwell's legacy extends beyond his iconic image; he revolutionized our understanding of electromagnetism with his groundbreaking equations. His work laid the foundation for modern physics and paved the way for inventions like radio and television. In this coloured photo, we see Maxwell himself, a man whose genius knew no bounds. His intellectual prowess was evident from an early age as depicted in William Dyce's painting of him alongside his mother Frances Cay, and is clear that intelligence ran in the family. Maxwell's thirst for knowledge led him to conduct experiments using innovative apparatuses like his comparison apparatus shown here. This device allowed him to measure electrical resistance accurately, further advancing our understanding of electricity. Not only did Maxwell excel in theoretical physics, but he also had a keen interest in astronomy. The observatories on Mauna Kea served as platforms for astronomers to explore the mysteries of space and were fitting locations for someone like Maxwell who constantly pushed boundaries. The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) stands tall among these observatories on Mauna Kea, its mirrors reflecting not just light but also the spirit of scientific inquiry that defined Maxwell's career. This telescope continues to contribute invaluable insights into astrophysics today. As we gaze upon these images capturing different facets of James Clerk Maxwell's life and work - from caricatures to telescopes - we are reminded of his immense impact on science and how he forever changed our understanding of the universe around us.