Heaviside's Transformative Work on Maxwell's 17 Equations

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Heaviside simplified Maxwell's 17 equations to 5 by using vector notation, which effectively condensed the information while maintaining its integrity. His development of vector calculus was significant, although he shares credit with Gibbs, who independently created similar concepts around the same period. Heaviside's reclusive nature and limited communication with the scientific community contributed to his lack of recognition for these contributions. The transformation he achieved was crucial for the advancement of electromagnetic theory. Overall, Heaviside's work laid foundational principles that are still relevant in physics today.
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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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