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Bibliographical history of electricity & magnetism, chronologically arranged
"Bibliographical History of Electricity & Magnetism, Chronologically Arranged" by Paul Fleury Mottelay is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This extensive work chronicles the development of electricity and magnetism from ancient times to the early 19th century, highlighting significant figures and discoveries in the field of natural philosophy. It seeks to provide a comprehensive bibliography and history of the key milestones in the understanding and application of these scientific principles. The opening of the book introduces the ambitious scope of Mottelay's project, reflecting on the vast timeline it covers—from 2637 B.C., where the use of the magnetic compass is first recorded in ancient China, to 1821, marking Michael Faraday's contributions to electromagnetism. The introduction emphasizes the importance of original sources for studying the history of science and presents a chronological arrangement of entries that document influential scholars and pivotal discoveries. The foreword by Sir Richard T. Glazebrook sets the tone for the scholarly journey, revealing both the dedication of the author and the significance of the themes explored in this definitive work on the history of electricity and magnetism.