AND MODERN PHYSICS. 59 



taking an active interest in the affairs of his own 

 neighbourhood. In 18G5 ho had a serious illness, 

 through which ho was nursed with great caro by Mrs. 

 Maxwell. His correspondence was considerable, and 

 absorbed much of his time. Much also was given to 

 the study of English literature; ho was fond of 

 reading Chaucer, Milton, or Shakespeare aloud to 

 Mrs. Maxwell. 



Ho also read much theological and philosophical 

 literature, and all ho read helped only to strengthen 

 that firm faith in the fundamentals of Christianity in 

 which he lived and died. 



In 1867 ho and Mrs. Maxwell paid a visit to Italy, 

 which was a source of great pleasure to both. 



His chief scientific work was the preparation of 

 his " Electricity and Magnetism," which did not 

 appear till 1873 ; the time was in the main one of 

 quiet thought and preparation for his next great task, 

 the foundation of the School of Physics in Cambridge. . 



In 1808 the principalship of the United College 

 in the University of St. Andrews was vacant by the 

 resignation of Forbes, and Maxwell was invited by 

 Keveral of the professors to stand. He, however, 

 declined to submit his name to the frown. 



