Bibliographical history of electricity & magnetism ebook

Bibliographical History of Electricity & Magnetism: Chronologically Arranged is a comprehensive and meticulously organized reference work that traces the evolution of scientific understanding in the fields of electricity and magnetism from their earliest recorded observations to the dawn of the twentieth century. Compiled by Paul Fleury Mottelay, this volume presents an exhaustive chronological bibliography, listing thousands of books, treatises, papers, and memoirs that have contributed to the development of electrical and magnetic science. Each entry is carefully annotated, providing essential bibliographic details, concise summaries, and insightful commentary on the significance and impact of the work within the broader context of scientific progress. The book opens with a detailed introduction that outlines the scope and purpose of the bibliography, emphasizing the importance of historical context in understanding the trajectory of scientific discovery. Mottelay’s arrangement allows readers to follow the unfolding of key concepts, experiments, and technological advancements, from the earliest musings of ancient philosophers and naturalists, through the groundbreaking experiments of the Enlightenment, to the revolutionary discoveries of the nineteenth century that laid the foundation for modern physics and electrical engineering. Throughout the volume, readers will encounter the works of luminaries such as William Gilbert, Benjamin Franklin, Alessandro Volta, André-Marie Ampère, Michael Faraday, James Clerk Maxwell, and many others whose research shaped the course of science. The bibliography also highlights lesser-known contributors, offering a rich tapestry of intellectual endeavor and cross-cultural exchange. In addition to scientific treatises, the book includes references to patents, popular expositions, and educational texts, reflecting the wide-ranging influence of electricity and magnetism on society, industry, and daily life. Bibliographical History of Electricity & Magnetism is an invaluable resource for historians of science, researchers, librarians, and anyone interested in the origins and development of two of the most transformative forces in the natural world. Its thoroughness, clarity, and scholarly rigor make it a lasting testament to the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge and a vital tool for exploring the literature that has illuminated the mysteries of electricity and magnetism for generations.