The magnetic force is animate, or imitates a soul; in many respects it surpasses the human soul while it is united to an organic body.

- William Gilbert

Philosophy is for the few.

- William Gilbert

A lodestone is a wonderful thing in very many experiments, and like living things. And one of its remarkable virtues in that which the ancients consi…

- William Gilbert

Look for knowledge not in books but in things themselves.

- William Gilbert

I am never, never, sick at sea. What never? No never! What never? Hardly ever.

- William Gilbert

If you wish in this world to advance your merits you're bound to enhance; you must stir it and stump it, and blow your own trumpet, or, trust me, you…

- William Gilbert

The magnet's name the observing Grecians drew. From the magnetic region where it grew.

- William Gilbert

You have no idea what a poor opinion I have of myself and how little I deserve it.

- William Gilbert

O that the gods would bring to a miserable end such fictitious, crazy, deformed labours, with which the minds of the studious are blinded!

- William Gilbert