Magnetism and the Cosmic Magnetic Chain

The subject of Magnes sive de arte magnetica (The magnet or about the magnetic art) are the properties of natural magnets (lodestones) and the existence and characteristics of the Earth’s magnetic field. It treats different applications of magnetism, its relation to the heavenly bodies, and the distribution and origin of magnetic declination and inclination. The last part “The World or Magnetic chain” explores the cosmic influence of magnetism, and its unifying force which pervades the whole universe, linking it finally with God’s presence in the world. The work begins with the general subject of the nature of magnets and their properties. The origin of magnets is put in the influence of the “magnetic matrix” on the fibers of stones of many types, found in many places in the world. The book deals with many different aspects of the properties of magnets, i.e. “Magnetic astronomy” considers problems about the relationship of astronomy and terrestrial magnetism. “Magnetic geography” studies terrestrial magnetism, recognizing its dipole nature and spherical distribution with the orientation of the magnetic North and South poles. A special attention is given to magnetic declination, its geographical distribution, and its use for the determination of geographical longitudes. A large collection is given of observations of magnetic declination and the drawing of a magnetic map. The problem of the causes of magnetic declination is assigned to the presence of magnetic dikes in the earth. An important subject is the use of magnetism in medicine. Magnetism is finally considered as a very general type of force that acts as the link that affects all natural things and not only as a physical force but also as a cosmic one, both of material and spiritual nature, that pervades everything and that finally has its origin in God.