Material Detail

This radio broadcast discusses the history of magnetism from the time of its discovery by an apocryphal Greek sheperd until the late 16th century and the work of William Gilbert. There is also discussion of who pioneered the study of magnetism, what theories they constructed from its curious abilities, and how the power of the magnet was brought out of the realm of magic and into the service of science. The broadcast concludes with a discussion of why magnetism is still mysterious and how the modern search for the single magnetic pole, or magnetic monopole, could provide a fundamental unit of magnetism, essential for ultimate explanation. The broadcast is 41 minutes and 45 seconds in length.

Disciplines:

• Science and Technology  / Geoscience  / Geology