De Magnete

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.

Summary

De Magnete consists of six books.

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• 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. Design of magnetic inclinometer.
• Magnetic theory of stellar and terrestrial motion. Precession of the equinox.