William Gilbert (physicist)

Pioneering physicist and natural philosopher, best known for De Magnete.

Chronology: 1544-05-24 – 1603-11-30

Origins & Early Life

William Gilbert (; 24 May 1544? – 30 November 1603), also known as Gilberd, was an English physician, physicist and natural philosopher. He passionately rejected both the prevailing Aristotelian philosophy and the Scholastic method of university teaching. He is remembered today largely for his book De Magnete (1600).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

A unit of magnetomotive force, also known as magnetic potential, was named the Gilbert in his honour; it has now been superseded by the Ampere-turn. == Life and work == Gilbert was born in Colchester to Jerome Gilberd, a borough recorder. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge. After gaining his MD from Cambridge in 1569, and a short spell as bursar of St John's College, he left to practice medicine in London, and he travelled on the continent. In 1573, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1600, he was elected President of the college. He was Elizabeth I's own physician from 1601 until her death in 1603, and James VI and I renewed his appointment. His primary scientific work – much inspired by earlier works of Robert Norman – was De Magnete, Magneticisque Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (On the Magnet and Magnetic Bodies, and...

Source: Wikipedia