Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe Who really wrote Maxwell's equations?
Dec 26, 2024
In this engaging conversation, Kathy Joseph, a historian of physics and author of "The Lightning Tamers," uncovers the fascinating and twisted history behind Maxwell's equations. She delves into the intricate writings of Maxwell, highlighting their blend of complex math and verbose language. The discussion touches on Michael Faraday's unconventional journey and his significant contributions to electromagnetism. With a mix of humor and insightful anecdotes, the need for collaboration in scientific discovery shines through, making history both entertaining and educational.
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Electricity as Entertainment
- In the 1700s, electricity was used for entertainment and social advancement, particularly in France.
- People would perform demonstrations like electrifying a woman and having her attract pieces of paper or gold foil.
Electric Kisses
- Scientist Matthias Boza would electrify women and kiss them, calling it "Venus Electrificatus."
- He even wrote bad poetry about his electrifying kisses.
Two Kinds of Electricity
- Charles Dufay discovered two types of electricity: vitreous (from glass) and resinous (from wax).
- This discovery was made when a charged object unexpectedly attracted to one charged rod and repelled by another, disproving his initial theory.