William Gilbert
Physician / Physicist
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.
Four Good Links
William Gilbert
Profile from the archives of the BBC
William Gilbert
Brief biographical entry
William Gilbert
Interesting Gilbert entry from a history of Galileo
William Gilbert and Experimental Science
Here's a good way to figure out Gilbert's place in the history of science
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Colchester, Essex, England
Death
30 November 1603
(plague, age 59)
Best Known As
The guy who figured out magnetism and electricity
