Mandsaur University

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

WILLIAM GILBERT
William Gilbert (1544-1603) was an English scientist and
physician who is credited by many as the “father of electricity
and magnetism”.
Born on May 24, 1544, into an affluent family in Colchester,
Essex, Gilbert attended Cambridge University where he

earned a Bachelor’s Degree in 1561. He continued his studies,

earning a Master’s Degree and finally receiving his Doctorate
in 1569. While at Cambridge he was elected to several offices
including that of Senior Fellow.

During Gilbert’s lifetime, Britain was a major seafaring nation,

and sailors relied heavily upon the magnetic compass to help
them navigate. Christopher Columbus thought that the Pole
Star attracted the compass needle; others thought that
magnetism was caused by mountains in the Arctic, and many
believed that garlic actually interfered with the device.
Intrigued by the mystery, Gilbert conducted experiments for
about 17 years to clarify his understanding of the compass
and the phenomenon of magnetism.