WILLIAM GILBERT
( 1540-1603 )
English physician; known for his early studies on electricity and magnetism. His De magnete (1600) propounded the theory that the earth was a giant lodestone with north and south magnetic poles. His theory that the earth exerted a magnetic influence throughout the solar system was a precursor to the modern conception of gravity as an attracting force between masses. Gilbert was among the first to divide substances into electrics (spar, glass, amber) and nonelectrics.
Centuries later, the English physicist William Gilbert (1540-1603) was able to show that it was not amber alone that acted so, but that a number of other substances as well gained an attracting power when rubbed. About 1600, he suggested that substances of this sort be called "electrics", from the Greek word for amber.
As a result, a substance that gains such a power, through rubbing or otherwise, is said to carry an electric charge, or to contain electricity.
Centuries later, the English physicist William Gilbert (1540-1603) was able to show that it was not amber alone that acted so, but that a number of other substances as well gained an attracting power when rubbed. About 1600, he suggested that substances of this sort be called "electrics", from the Greek word for amber.
As a result, a substance that gains such a power, through rubbing or otherwise, is said to carry an electric charge, or to contain electricity.
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