English self-taught mathematician and physicist Oliver Heaviside was born #OTD in 1850.
He invented a new technique for solving differential equations, independently developed vector calculus, and rewrote Maxwell's equations in the form commonly used today. He significantly shaped the way Maxwell's equations are understood and applied in the decades following Maxwell's death. His practical experience in telegraphy provided a foundation for his later theoretical work.
@gutenberg_org its true that some use the equation used by Maxwell but they are a rehash of a 20 year early set of Fourier based derivation by another Scottish mathematician as stated by Faraday .
He was an unusual man, who had some unfortunate mental health problems in later life: signing his name with the "title" suffix "W.O.R.M.", painting his nails pink (more unusual then than it would be now), replacing his furniture with granite blocks, and so on. (See Wikipedia, below.)
On the other hand, I sorta like the idea that there's a lot more room for weirdness in the world than we normally allow for.
@weekend_editor He made a significant contribution by providing a new interpretation of Maxwell's equations. And probably his mental issues were due to the intense dedication to his work. We should look at his legacy instead...
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