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1. Electromagnetism

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   The study of electric and magnetic effects stretches back to antiquity, noting phenomena such as the static charge produced by rubbing amber (whence the term 'electricity' is derived from the Greek $\eta\lambda\epsilon\kappa\tau\rho o\nu$ or ēlektron) and the directive properties of lodestones. However, systematic scientific inquiry began much later.
   In 1750, Benjamin Franklin proposed the concept of a single electrical fluid, although his assignment of positive and negative charges was somewhat arbitrary and based primarily on his desire to align conventio…