Terrella Collection

Magnetic needles on a terrella will point towards the north pole, A
539362 Magnetic needles on a terrella will point towards the north pole, A. other needles will do likewise, even though the surface of the terrella is uneven, as at O

A terrella or globe-shaped magnet with lumps of iron to represent mountains
539359 A terrella or globe-shaped magnet with lumps of iron to represent mountains and showing the north-seeking property of a magnetic needle

Magnetism, 1600. A terrella or globe-shaped magnet with lumps of iron to represent mountains and showing the north-seeking property of a magnetic needle. From De Magnete by William Gilbert

Magnetic needles on a terrella will point towards the north pole, A. other needles will do likewise, even though the surface of the terrella is uneven, as at O

A terrella or globe-shaped magnet with lumps of iron to represent mountains and showing the north-seeking property of a magnetic needle. From William Gilbert De Magnete, London, 1600

Diagram of magnetic dip on Earth
Diagram of the Earths magnetic field. Engraving showing the dip of the Earths magnetic field at various latitudes, after the work of William Gilbert (1540-1603)

William Gilberts magnetic Dip Instrument
William Gilberts Dip Instrument for measuring the dip of the magnetic field. The diameter of the dial was " six fingerlengths"

William Gilbert 1544-1603
William Gilbert, English physician and physicist shown with his book De Magnete, Magneticisique Corporibus, et de Magno Magnete Tellure (On the Magnet and Magnetic Bodies)

Declinometer, 17th century
Declinometer. 17th century illustration showing a declinometer, a device for measuring the magnetic dip angle. This is the angle between the Earths magnetic field and the horizon

Gilberts magnetic dip circle
Dip circle. 17th century illustration of a magnetic dip circle. This is an instrument to determine the angle between the horizon and the Earths magnetic field at a given point on the surface

Device for determining latitude
Latitude. 17th century device for determining latitude. The metal bar is attached to the centre of the disc. An observation of the rising of a known star is made

Magnetic declination, 17th Century
Magnetic declination. 17th century illustration showing how a lodestone could be used to illustrate the concept of magnetic dip

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"Unveiling Earth's Magnetic Secrets: Terrella, a Window to the Past" In 1600, William Gilbert revolutionized our understanding of magnetism with his terrella. This globe-shaped magnet, adorned with lumps of iron resembling mountains, allowed him to unravel the mysteries hidden within Earth's magnetic field. Gilbert's groundbreaking discovery revealed that magnetic needles on a terrella would unfailingly point towards the north pole. Not only did this observation shed light on the fundamental principles of magnetism but also provided crucial insights into navigation and exploration during that era. With his ingenious device, Gilbert was able to depict the intricate phenomenon known as magnetic dip. By carefully observing how compass needles behaved when placed at different latitudes on his terrella, he mapped out variations in Earth's magnetic field strength and inclination across its surface. The significance of Gilbert's work extended beyond scientific curiosity; it had practical implications too. His declinometer became an essential tool for sailors seeking accurate navigation by determining their latitude based on magnetic readings taken from a terrella. Today, we owe much of our knowledge about Earth's magnetism to these early advancements made by William Gilbert and his remarkable inventions. The legacy of his terrella lives on as scientists continue using similar devices to explore our planet's ever-evolving magnetic field. So next time you marvel at your trusty compass pointing northward or ponder over satellite-guided navigation systems relying on geomagnetic data, remember that it all started centuries ago with a simple yet profound idea encapsulated in Gilbert’s humble terrella – unlocking nature’s secrets one needle at a time.