William Gilbert of Colchester, Physician of London Quotes
Biographies, Physics books
Top Quotes
“Cuspis (point). The end of a magnetized versorium.”
“'''''Ostensio''. Physical demonstration (opposed to theory).'''”
“'''''Electrics''. Bodies that attract in the same way as amber.'''”
“'''''Paralleletically''. In the direction of a parallel of latitude.'''”
“Armed loadstone. One that is furnished with an iron helmet or cap.”
“'''''Sphere of influence''. The entire space over which the force of a loadstone extends.'''”
“Sphere of coition. The entire space over which the smallest magnetic body moves toward a loadstone.”
“Excited magnetic body. One such as iron or steel that acquires magnetism from a loadstone or natural magnet.”
“Declinatorium. A bar or needle movable vertically on its axis and that is excited with a loadstone; used in the dip instrument.”
“To the most learned Mr. William Gilbert, the distinguished London physician and father of the magnetic philosophy: a laudatory address concerning these books on magnetism, by Edward Wright.”
“Crotch. Name sometimes given to the end not touched and excited, although in some instruments both ends are commonly so designated, according as they are most convenient for excitation by the loadstone.”
“'''''Magnetized versorium''. An iron bar or needle resting on a point (electroscope) and put in motion—excited—by the loadstone or natural magnet.'''”
“In his epistle to Dr. Walter Charleton (physician in ordinary to King Charles I), the celebrated English poet, John Dryden, predicts that "Gilbert shall live till loadstones cease to draw, Or British fleets the boundless ocean awe."”
“All those who have imagined or accepted certain "respective points" as well as they who speak of magnetic mountains or rocks or poles, will begin to waver as soon as they read these your books on the Loadstone and will of their own accord come over to your opinion.”
“To give here such an analysis as Gilbert's admirable work merits would be impracticable but the short review of it made by Dr. John Robison deserves... reproduction as follows...”
“That discovery of yours, that the entire globe is magnetical, albeit to many it will seem to the last degree paradoxical, nevertheless is buttressed and confirmed by so many and so apposite experiments... that no room is left for doubt or contradiction.”
“It does not seem to have been the intention of Moses or the prophets to promulgate nice mathematical or physical distinctions: they rather adapt themselves to the understanding of the common people and to the current fashion of speech, as nurses do in dealing with babes.”
“In the words of the celebrated English mathematician, Edward Wright, I doubt not that our united efforts "will find the heartiest approval among all intelligent men and children of magnetic science."”
“Sailors of old were often beset, as we learn from the histories, by an incredible anxiety and by great peril, for, when storms raged and the sight of sun and stars was cut off, they knew not whither they were sailing, neither could they by any means or by any device find out.”
“'''''Verticity. Polar strength—activity (or what in Gilbert's day was understood as energy); not gyrating, vertiginous, but turning power: nor is it polar revolution, but a directing virtue, an innate turning vigor''' (virtus convertens'').”