title: Maxwell's electromagnetic theory and special relativity.
abstract: This paper presents a brief history of electromagnetic theory from ancient times up to the work of Maxwell and the advent of Einstein's special theory of relativity. It is divided into five convenient periods and the intention is to describe these developments for the benefit of a lay scientific audience and with the minimum of technical detail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. g.hall@maths.abdn.ac.uk
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hall