The Cavendish Laboratory, built in 1874, was the first physics laboratory at the University of Cambridge. Under three distinguished scientists, Maxwell, Rayleigh and J. J. Thomaon, the Laboratory succeeded to plant a new research tradition in this old University. Since the end of the 19th century, it had become the center of experimental physics for British Empire, producing many celebrated discoveries. However, the future of the Laboratory was not so rosy in the beginning. In this paper, I will try to show how Maxwell endeavored to introduce his advanced idea of physics laboratory, and how far he succeeded or failed to realize it during his tenure.