Everything about De Magnete totally explained
De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (
On the Magnet and Magnetic Bodies, and on That Great Magnet the Earth) is a scientific work published in
1600 by the English physician and scientist
William Gilbert and also by his partner Christopher Clews. The book was an overnight success in Europe and it was written in Latin which was the common scientific language of the day.
In this work Gilbert describes many of his
experiments with his model earth called the
terrella. From the experiments, he arrived at the remarkable conclusion that the
Earth was magnetic and that this was why the
compass pointed north. (Previously, it was thought that
Polaris or a large magnetic island at the
North Pole attracted the compass). In his book, he also studied
static electricity produced by
amber. Amber is called
elektron in Greek, and
electrum in Latin, so Gilbert decided to refer to the phenomenon by the adjective
electricus, giving rise to the modern terms 'electric' and '
electricity'.
De Magnete was influential not only because of the inherent interest of its subject matter, but also for the rigorous way in which Gilbert described his experiments and his rejection of
ancient theories of magnetism. Gilbert nevertheless acknowledged his debt to
Peter of Maricourt and incorporated this thirteenth century scientist's experiments on magnetism into his own treatise. Although his thinking was heavily influenced by the
mysticism of his time, Gilbert was also one of the pioneers of experimental physics.
Summary
De Magnete consists of six books.
- Historical survey of magnetism and theory of Earth's magnetism.
- Distinction between electricity and magnetism. Argument against perpetual motion.
- The terrella experiments.
- Declination (the variation of magnetic north with location).
- Magnetic dip and Design of the magnetic inclinometer.
- Magnetic theory of stellar and terrestrial motion. Precession of the equinox.
Editions
De Magnete, Peter Short, London, 1600 (original Latin)
De Magnete, English translation by Paul Fleury Mottelay, 1893
Further Information
Get more info on 'De Magnete'.
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