Heaviside's Transformative Work on Maxwell's 17 Equations

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SUMMARY

Oliver Heaviside successfully reduced Maxwell's 17 equations to 5 by employing vector notation, a significant simplification that enhanced the understanding of electromagnetic theory. Heaviside's contributions to vector calculus are often overshadowed by those of Josiah Willard Gibbs, who independently developed similar concepts around the same period. The lack of recognition for Heaviside stems from his reclusive nature and limited communication with contemporaries, which hindered his visibility in the scientific community.

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  • Understanding of Maxwell's Equations
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A Question:

How was Heaviside able to convert Maxwell's 17 equations down to just 5, and why does Heaviside get ignored for doing so?
 
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Heavyside invented vectors. Each Maxwell Equation in vector notation is 3 equations the way Maxwell originally did it.

Heavyside gets some credit for inventing vectors, but not all, because Gibbs (an American) invented them, independently, about the same time. Heavyside was a recluse and didn't communicate with hardly anyone and so, he wasn't aware that he was in danger of being scooped.
 

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