James Clerk Maxwell is known for his groundbreaking work on electromagnetism. In the 19th century, Maxwell formulated a set of equations, now known as Maxwell's equations, that describe how electric and magnetic fields interact and propagate through space. His contributions laid the foundation for classical electromagnetism, influencing numerous fields, from physics to engineering. Maxwell's theory helped explain phenomena such as electromagnetic waves, which include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays. His work not only advanced our understanding of electricity and magnetism but also paved the way for modern technological advancements, including telecommunications and power generation.