James Clerk Maxwell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to John Clerk Maxwell of Middlebie, an advocate, and Frances Cay, daughter of Robert Hodshon Cay and sister of John Cay. The family were reasonably well-to-do and owned the Glenlair estate.

Maxwell spent his early years at Glenlair, the family estate in Kirkcudbrightshire. His mother, Frances, initially homeschooled him, fostering a strong bond and instilling in him a deep appreciation for nature. He displayed a voracious curiosity about the world around him, constantly asking 'What's the go o' that?'.

Maxwell's mother, Frances Cay Maxwell, died of abdominal cancer. This loss deeply affected the young Maxwell, necessitating a change in his educational arrangements.

Maxwell was sent to the Edinburgh Academy, a prestigious school. He initially struggled to adapt to the formal curriculum and the social environment, being nicknamed 'Dafty' due to his shyness and unique Galloway accent. However, his mathematical abilities soon became apparent.

At the age of 14, Maxwell wrote his first scientific paper, 'On the Description of Oval Curves, and those having a Plurality of Foci,' which was presented to the Royal Society of Edinburgh by Professor Forbes. This demonstrated his precocious mathematical talent.

Maxwell entered the University of Edinburgh at the age of 16. He studied natural philosophy, logic, and mathematics under notable professors such as Sir William Hamilton and Professor Forbes. He continued his independent research, contributing to the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.