Magnet belonging to Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson)

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This horseshoe magnet was used by Sir William Thomson, Lord Kelvin of Largs while studying the electro-dynamic properties of metals. It dates from 1856.

This horseshoe magnet is made form nickel.

Sir William Thomson, Lord Kelvin of Largs, 1824-1907, contributed much to the study of electricity, magnetism and heat. He designed several scientific instruments and worked to establish international electrical units and standards.

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-949-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Innovators and Innovations (multimedia essay)
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1925.67
• Date: 1856
  Pre 1856
  
• Material: Nickel
  Magnet, horseshoe
  
• Dimensions: 63 mm L x 10 mm D
  
• What: Magnet, horseshoe
  
• Subject: 8. ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Magnetism (Departmental Classification)
  22. PHYSICS, Magnetism and Electricity (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Lord Kelvin (Sir William Thomson) (scientist and inventor)
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Horseshoe magnet of nickel used by Lord Kelvin in 1856
  
• References:
  • Thompson, Silvanus P. The life of William Thomson, Baron Kelvin of Largs. London: Macmillan, 1910
  • Tunbridge, Paul. Lord Kelvin: his influence on electrical measurements and units. London: Peregrinus, 1992
• Translations:
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