This is a really interesting series John, it's helping me get a better handle on what electro-magnetism really is. Also, how much did we know and have to rediscover? The ancient Egyptians understood a lot about electricity and they also highly valued meteorite iron which was occasionally found in the desert. I suspect there must have been either magnetic or alloy properties of this meteorite iron which was superior to terrestrial iron.
Great to read how insights develop slowly. Gilbert saw a lot but also speculates a lot. Some of his insights have become accepted, others have not.
De Magnete is from 1600. Image how our current scientific books will be perceived 420 years from now!
This is a really interesting series John, it's helping me get a better handle on what electro-magnetism really is. Also, how much did we know and have to rediscover? The ancient Egyptians understood a lot about electricity and they also highly valued meteorite iron which was occasionally found in the desert. I suspect there must have been either magnetic or alloy properties of this meteorite iron which was superior to terrestrial iron.