part0011

“It was a great step in science when men became convinced that, in order to understand the nature of things, they must begin by asking, not whether a thing is good or bad, noxious or beneficial, but of what kind it is? And how much is there of it? Quality and Quantity were then first recognized as the primary features to be observed in scientific inquiry.”

In early 1869, Maxwell received the sad news that one of the greatest intellectual pillars of his life, James Forbes, had passed away. Although Forbes was up in years and had suffered ill health for some time, the loss caught Maxwell completely off guard and left him devastated. It also left the position that Forbes held as principal of St. Andrews University open. Maxwell, still in the grieving process, wasn’t even considering it, but several of his colleagues urged him to apply, not only for his own opportunity but for the betterment of the school and its students who might benefit from Maxwell’s knowledge and experience. After much cajoling, Maxwell eventually did apply but came up short, and the position was given to a former humanity professor at the school by the name of John Campbell Sharp.

But as was quite often the case in the life of James Clerk Maxwell, as soon as one door closed, another one opened. This time it was Cambridge University that came calling, entreating Maxwell to sign on for a professorial role in experimental physics. As appealing as it all sounded, Maxwell was hesitant to leave his comfortable and familiar life at his Glenlair estate. Unsure if he was making the right decision or not, Maxwell ended up getting the university to agree to allow him to amicably part company after his first year if he decided it wasn’t working out.

Maxwell officially took on his new role in March of 1871, making him the very first professor of experimental physics. As soon as he graced the campus of Cambridge, Maxwell’s first order of the day was to plan the lab that was to be built for the experimental physics department. Among his requests was that the lab should be spacious to allow for bulky apparatus. In the end, the planning seemed to be the easy part, and the actual building of the laboratory was not completed until 1874. Known as the Cavendish Laboratory, this physics lab would serve the interest of students for many years to come.

It was at the Cavendish Laboratory, in fact, that a future student by the name of J. J. Thomson would discover and verify one of the very elements that Maxwell had long eluded to: the electron. It took some time, but Maxwell’s diagrams and bizarre models would eventually come to life in the work of those who succeeded him. Maxwell would indeed have many accomplishments to show for his labors. In truth, he revolutionized the entire scientific field, and his efforts in academia made sure that the role of being a scientist, which was during his youth often looked at as nothing more than a hobby, had become a highly respected and sought-after vocation.

But all the hard work and dedication that Maxwell put into Cambridge was taking its toll on his family life. The once rich and vibrant relationship he had had with his wife Katherine at his country estate had become neglected after their move to Cambridge. Soon her health was in decline as well. She began to suffer from weakness and would often stay in bed. Her husband would stand vigil during these periods, and he would often sleep in a chair by her bed. Some of Maxwell’s contemporaries would later insinuate that her illness was all a ploy to regain her husband’s often distracted attentions. At any rate, due to her convalescence, Maxwell began to keep his associates away from his home and conducted most of his official meetings with them at the Cavendish lab instead.

After Katherine recovered, the Maxwells would make recurring trips to Glenlair so that James could take care of the upkeep of the property as well as take part in local happenings of the community. He was always a robust and active figure, but by the time 1877 rolled around, Maxwell began to slow down. Many slow down as they get older, but as it turns out Maxwell’s decrease in energy level was not due to the gradual march of time as much as it was the rapid onset of a terminal illness. He didn’t have much longer left to live. For a man who thought that he had several years yet to perfect his life’s work, this unexpected turn would come as a terrible blow.