Maxwell on the electromagnetic field : a guided study /

Simpson's book is part of the Rutgers series "Masterworks of Discovery," designed to encourage the reading of classic texts in science and mathematics by both specialists and nonspecialists, and to be readable by "any intelligent person ... exposed to ... high school science and mathematics." This reviewer does not think the work completely succeeds on this point. The three writings studied here are "On Faraday's Lines of Force" (1855), "On Physical Lines of Force" (1861), and "A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" (1865). Though the general discussions of the papers would be approachable by many, the writings, comments, and discussion were very interesting but not appropriate for anyone without a few semesters of college physics. The author does an excellent job of detailing and explaining Maxwell's original works. The comments in the discussion are well made and provide both historical and scientific insights. For physicists, historians, philosophers of science, and their students. Undergraduates through faculty. E. Kincanon; Gonzaga University