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William Gilbert's 1600 Book on Earth's Magnetism Sells for Rs 58.5 Lakh
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
William Gilbert's 1600 book, De Magnete, which argued that Earth behaves like a giant magnet, sold for Rs 58.5 lakh at a recent auction. The book laid the groundwork for modern electrical science.
Key points
- William Gilbert's De Magnete was published in 1600 and argued that Earth is a giant magnet.
- The book sold for $61,440 (approximately Rs 58.5 lakh) at Christie's auction on October 13, 2026.
- Gilbert introduced key terminology for electrical phenomena, including 'electric force' and 'electric attraction'.
- The book was previously part of the Signet Library in Edinburgh and has a rich auction history.
- Gilbert's work laid the foundations for modern electrical science through systematic experimentation.
Key insights
- The book's sale reflects the ongoing interest in historical scientific texts and their relevance today.
- Gilbert's findings may influence current studies in magnetism and electrical science.
- The auction price indicates a growing market for rare scientific literature.
Why it matters
The sale of this historic book highlights its lasting significance in the study of magnetism and electricity.
Tags
Entities
William Gilbert· PersonDe Magnete· BookChristie's· OrganizationQueen Elizabeth I· PersonSignet Library· OrganizationEdinburgh· CityCalifornia· State
Source
Times of India
