Happy Birthday, Maxwell!

Tomorrow, June 13, is the anniversary of the birth of James Clerk Maxwell. His 178th, if you're trying to think of a present. Maxwell was one of the last of the great multidisciplinary Victorian scientists -- he studied mathematics, astrophysics, electromagnetism, physical chemistry, and invented color photography. Like his contemporary Lord Kelvin, Maxwell was a Scotsman during the era when Scotland was arguably the most high-tech place on Earth.

Maxwell is best known for what are now called "Maxwell's Equations" -- four mathematical expressions showing the relationships among magnetic fields, electric fields, charge, and current. He showed that light is an electromagnetic wave -- thereby paving the way for the development of radio and all its infinite applications. He's also the creator of "Maxwell's Demon" -- a thought experiment on the nature of thermodynamics and entropy.

In honor of his pioneering work on electromagnetism, which led to the development of radar, the highest mountain on Venus is named Maxwell Montes in his honor. (It was discovered by radar.)

Happy Birthday, JCM!