Gilbert, William

—Born 1540, died 1603. An English physicist, noted for his experiments in magnetism, and for the publication in 1600 of his chief work “ De Magnete” which marked an epoch in the science of magnetism, and earned for its author the title of the ‘‘founder of the science of magnetism and electricity.” His work led to further study by other philosophers who discovered other electric and magnetic truths. Gilbert disposed of a number of false ideas connected with electio and magnetic phenomena. e made valuable investigations on the nature and properties of magnetic poles and showed that many other substances besides amber become electrified by rubbing. Gilder’s Wax.—A fatty, solid substance which is used by gilders to cover those parts of an object which are not intended -t0 be gilded.