Engineering Education: Presentation of Maxwell's Equations in Historical Perspective and the Likely Desirable Outcomes

It is suggested that where possible fundamental concepts and theories be presented from a historical perspective in undergraduate engineering education. Apart from being fairer to the contributions of the several researchers whose works often significantly contribute to a later and much-acclaimed theory, such an approach can also be employed to intellectually challenge the young students, and to encourage them to pursue life-long learning. Against this background, a possible method of presenting Maxwell's equations in a historical context is presented.