James Clerk Maxwell (b.1831 – d.1879) Insatiably curious as a youth, James Clerk Maxwell was called “daftie” (which meant “nerd” in 19th century England). The name never bothered him though as he was too absorbed in discovering how the universe worked. By age 14 he was writing scientific papers, and by 25, James was a college professor. Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic radiation rivals the discoveries of Newton and Einstein. His legendary devotion to the Christian faith never came into conflict with his scientific genius.