On the Loadstone and Magnetic Bodies and on the Great Magnet the Earth

work by Gilbert

Also known as: “De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure”(Show More)

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June 25, 2026

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William Gilbert's De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (1600), translated as On the Loadstone and Magnetic Bodies and on the Great Magnet the Earth, is a foundational work in the study of magnetism. Gilbert, considered a pioneer in magnetism research and the father of electrical studies, conducted extensive experiments. He proposed that Earth itself acts as a giant magnet, explaining why a compass needle aligns itself in a north-south direction and dips downward. Gilbert was the first to use terms like "electric attraction" and "magnetic pole". His work built upon earlier studies, such as those by Peter Peregrinus of Maricourt, who described the polarity of magnets and practical applications like the compass. Gilbert's research significantly advanced the understanding of magnetism and its relationship to Earth.12

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William Gilbert
…de Magno Magnete Tellure (1600; On the Loadstone and Magnetic Bodies and on the Great Magnet the Earth), gives a full account of his research on magnetic bodies and electrical attractions. After years of experiments, he concluded that a compass needle points north–south and dips downward because Earth acts as…
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…de Magno Magnete Tellure (1600; On the Loadstone and Magnetic Bodies and on the Great Magnet the Earth), gives a full account of his research on magnetic bodies and electrical attractions. After years of experiments, he concluded that a compass needle points north–south and dips downward because Earth acts as…
Read More

electromagnetism
Emergence of the modern sciences of electricity and magnetism
…on magnetism in the treatise De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (“On the Magnet, Magnetic Bodies, and the Great Magnet of the Earth”), published in 1600. As suggested by the title, Gilbert described Earth as a huge magnet. He introduced the term electric for the force between…
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…on magnetism in the treatise De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (“On the Magnet, Magnetic Bodies, and the Great Magnet of the Earth”), published in 1600. As suggested by the title, Gilbert described Earth as a huge magnet. He introduced the term electric for the force between…
Read More

physical science
Astronomy
…Gilbert in his influential treatise, De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus et de Magno Magnete Tellure (1600; “On the Magnet, Magnetic Bodies, and the Great Magnet of the Earth”). The impending marriage of astronomy and physics had been announced. In 1618 Kepler stated his third law, which was one of many laws…
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…Gilbert in his influential treatise, De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus et de Magno Magnete Tellure (1600; “On the Magnet, Magnetic Bodies, and the Great Magnet of the Earth”). The impending marriage of astronomy and physics had been announced. In 1618 Kepler stated his third law, which was one of many laws…
Read More