ABSTRACT

This monograph examines James Clerk Maxwell’s contributions to electromagnetism to gain insight into the practice of science by focusing on scientific methodology as applied by scientists. First and foremost, this study is concerned with practices that are reflected in scientific texts and the ways scientists frame their research. The book is therefore about means and not ends.

chapter 1|25 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|22 pages

Maxwell’s choice

Faraday vs. Ampère

chapter 4|25 pages

Station 1 (1856–1858)

On Faraday’s lines of force

chapter 5|29 pages

Station 2 (1861–1862)

On physical lines of force

chapter 6|28 pages

Station 3 (1865)

A dynamical theory of the electromagnetic field

chapter 7|54 pages

Station 4 (1873)

A treatise on electricity and magnetism