Facts about William Gilbert
William Gilbert died at 59 years old
Died: November 30, 1603 (plague)
Best known as: The guy who figured out magnetism and electricity
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William Gilbert
Profile from the archives of the BBCWilliam Gilbert
Brief biographical entryWilliam Gilbert
His biography from some magnet adherentsWilliam Gilbert and Experimental Science
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William Gilbert Biography
In 1600 William Gilbert published De Magnete ("On Magnets"), one of the first scientific books in the English language and the first to suggest that the earth was a big magnet. A prominent physician, Gilbert studied magnetism and lodestones for nearly two decades, seeking to explain the behavior of compasses. His book, which also suggested that a vacuum must exist between planets, was a huge success and is considered the first work to discuss the connection between magnetism and electricity. Gilbert was also the royal physician for Queen Elizabeth I and her successor, King James I.
Extra credit
The gilbert, a unit of magnetomotive force, is named after him.