| De Magnete |
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In this work Gilbert describes many of his Experiment s 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'' and the noun ''electricitas,'' 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
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