I . James Clerk Maxwell
(1831–79)
a Scottish scientist who made important contributions to many areas of physics, including gases, colour vision (= the power of sight), electricity and magnetism. His work also influenced the development of telephones and colour photography.
II . Robert Maxwell
(1923–91)
a British businessman, publisher and newspaper owner, born in Czechoslovakia. He came to Britain in 1940 and received the Military Cross for his military achievements in World War II . He first became rich through the company he owned, the Pergamon Press, which published scientific journals (= serious magazines). However, in 1969, an official investigation into the company decided that he was not a suitable person to run a company. He was also at this time a Labour Party Member of Parliament , a position he held from 1964 to 1970.
Despite doubts about some of his business methods, Maxwell built up a large business empire. In 1984 he bought Mirror Group Newspapers and so became the owner of the Daily Mirror , the Sunday Mirror and The People , all popular British newspapers. This made him one of the most powerful people in the newspaper industry.
Maxwell died when he fell from a boat and drowned. After his death it was discovered that he had illegally taken money from the pension funds of employees. His sons Kevin and Ian were prosecuted for financial crimes involving his companies but were found not guilty. Maxwell’s reputation, however, was destroyed.