De Magnete Collection

Dr William Gilbert (1544-1603) showing his Experiment on Electricity to Queen Elizabeth I
BAL99459 Dr William Gilbert (1544-1603) showing his Experiment on Electricity to Queen Elizabeth I and her Court, 19th century (oil on canvas) (see detail 99460) by Hunt

Diagram showing the behaviour of a magnetic needle
5309963 Diagram showing the behaviour of a magnetic needle; (add.info.: Diagram showing the behaviour of a magnetic needle and the difference between true)

Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth
5309964 Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth; (add.info.: Diagram showing The magnetic force of the Earth, operating along an infinity of curves starting from every point of the equator)

William Gilbert in his study writing his book, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub
3614169 William Gilbert in his study writing his book, from Les Merveilles de la Science, pub.1870 by French School, (19th century); (add.info)

MAGNETIZING IRON, 1600. A blacksmith hammering a heated iron bar to be magnetized, with its ends pointing towards the magnetic north and south poles

MAGNETIZING IRON, 1600. A blacksmith hammering a heated iron bar to be magnetized, with its ends pointing towards the magnetic north and south poles

GILBERT: DE MAGNETE, 1600. The magnetizing of iron. A page from William Gilbert s
GILBERT: DE MAGNETE, 1600. The magnetizing of iron. A page from William Gilberts (1540-1603) De Magnete, published in London, 1600

GILBERT: DE MAGNETE, 1600. Title-page of the first edition of William Gilberts De Magnete, London, 1600. The first great scientific work published in England

William Gilbert (1540-1603). English physician and physicist. Motion in magnetic field
GILBERT: DE MAGNETE, 1600. William Gilbert (1540-1603). English physician and physicist. Motion in magnetic field. Page from De Magnete, published in London, 1600

Magnetizing cooling iron. Historical artwork of a blacksmith magnetizing a piece of cooling iron. The smith is hammering the iron

Title page of William Gilberts De Magnete
Title page of the second edition of William Gilberts De Magnete, published in 1628. The first edition appeared in 1600. Gilbert was an English physician and physicist, born in 1544 and died in 1603

William Gilbert 1544-1603
William Gilbert, English physician and physicist shown with his book De Magnete, Magneticisique Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (On the Magnet and Magnetic Bodies)

Declinometer, 17th century
Declinometer. 17th century illustration showing a declinometer, a device for measuring the magnetic dip angle. This is the angle between the Earths magnetic field and the horizon

Gilberts magnetic dip circle
Dip circle. 17th century illustration of a magnetic dip circle. This is an instrument to determine the angle between the horizon and the Earths magnetic field at a given point on the surface

Device for determining latitude
Latitude. 17th century device for determining latitude. The metal bar is attached to the centre of the disc. An observation of the rising of a known star is made

Magnetic declination, 17th Century
Magnetic declination. 17th century illustration showing how a lodestone could be used to illustrate the concept of magnetic dip

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"Exploring the Electrifying World: Dr. William Gilbert's De Magnete" Step into the fascinating world of scientific discovery as Dr. William Gilbert, a renowned English physician and physicist, showcases his groundbreaking experiments on electricity to none other than Queen Elizabeth I herself. In this captivating scene captured on page 49 of his masterpiece "De Magnete, " we witness Gilbert's dedication to unraveling the mysteries of magnetism. Turning our attention to page 57, we delve deeper into the pages of "De Magnete, " where Gilbert's meticulous observations and detailed explanations come to life. With every word penned in London in 1600, he unveils a new realm of understanding magnetic forces that would shape future scientific endeavors. In another corner of history depicted within Les Merveilles de la Science publication, we catch a glimpse of William Gilbert engrossed in writing his magnum opus. The intensity radiating from him reveals the passion with which he pursued knowledge and shared it with the world. Transporting ourselves back to 1600, we find ourselves amidst an iron-smithy witnessing an intriguing process – blacksmiths hammering heated iron bars for magnetization purposes. This pivotal moment showcased not only practical applications but also highlighted how magnetism could be harnessed for various uses. Gilbert's profound work is further exemplified through images extracted from "De Magnete. " One such illustration portrays the mesmerizing process by which iron is magnetized under careful guidance – a testament to both science and craftsmanship intertwining harmoniously. As we turn our attention towards yet another remarkable artifact -the title-page from the first edition- it becomes evident that "De Magnete" was destined for greatness right from its inception. Its impact resonates even today as one marvels at its historical significance and contributions to our understanding of magnets and their properties. The legacy left behind by William Gilbert continues to inspire generations as seen through these captivating glimpses into his world.