At the Library, we periodically organise a ‘thematic display’ showcasing books and documents from our collection that relate to a particular theme or anniversary. For September 2026, we have chosen ‘The Conceptual Evolution of Electrodynamics’.

Nowadays, we are surrounded by high-tech objects and equipment, but — unless we are familiar with STEM subjects —

we are largely unaware of the complexity of the work underlying their design and manufacture. Underlying all of this, fundamentally, there is always a law of physics (and/or chemistry, depending on the context) which is the result of studies, experiments and observations carried out by scientists.

In this month’s feature, we explore the topic of electrodynamics and its development, starting with the work of

Ampère, Faraday and Maxwell. We do not, of course, aim to provide an exhaustive overview of the subject’s complexity, but rather to offer, quite simply, some fascinating food for thought through a glimpse at the most iconic moments that have marked its history.

edited by Serena Ratti and Roberta Scordamaglia – CAeB

The list of books displayed in the themed showcase:

Introduction to electrodynamics / David J. Griffiths
The scientific letters and papers of James Clerk Maxwell / edited by P.M. Harman
Electrodynamics from Ampere to Einstein / Olivier Darrigol
Trattato di elettricità e magnetismo / James Clerk Maxwell; a cura di Evandro Agazzi
The contributions of Faraday and Maxwell to electrical science / by R. A. R. Tricker