William Gilbert, and Terrestial Magnetism in the Time of Queen Elizabeth / A Discourse

Name: William Gilbert, and Terrestial Magnetism in the Time of Queen Elizabeth / A Discourse
Author: Silvanus P. Thompson

By Silvanus P. Thompson

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Biographies History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)Science - Physics

About This Book

A scholarly discourse traces the life and investigations of William Gilbert and presents his systematic study of terrestrial magnetism culminating in De Magnete. It reviews navigational practice and earlier observations of compass declination and dip, the work of compass-makers and mariners, and contemporary maps and legends about lodestones, then describes Gilbert’s experiments, instruments, and theoretical proposals that sought to explain magnetic behavior of the Earth. The text situates his methods amid prior practical knowledge and scientific debate, emphasizing empirical measurement and synthesis.

About the Author

Silvanus P. Thompson

Silvanus P. Thompson was a British physicist and author known for his contributions to the popularization of science in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is particularly recognized for his biographical works on notable scientists, including "Michael Faraday, His Life and Work," which highlights the life and achievements of the renowned experimental physicist. Thompson also wrote about the inventor Philipp Reis in "Philipp Reis: Inventor of the Telephone / A Biographical Sketch," showcasing his impact on telecommunications. His writings often blend scientific insight with engaging narratives, making complex subjects accessible to a broader audience.