Versorium (latin "turn around") is a device for detecting the presence of static electricity and the first known electrical device.^[1] It was developed in 1600 by William Gilbert, physician to Queen Elizabeth I. William Gilbert (Colchester, England, May 24, 1544 – London, England, November 30, 1603; less commonly known as William Gilberd) was an English physician to Elizabeth I and James I and natural philosopher known for his investigations of magnetism and electricity. ... Elizabeth I Queen of England and Ireland Queen of France, nominal title Elizabeth I (September 7, 1533–March 24, 1603) was Queen of England and Queen of Ireland from November 17, 1558 until her death. ...

Construction

Illustration of Versorium construction

The versorium is a needle constructed out of metal which is allowed to pivot freely on a pedestal. The metal needle would be attracted to charged bodies brought near it, turning towards the charged object.^[2] Since it is able to distinguish between charged and non-charged objects, it is an example of a class of devices known as electroscopes. It can be noted that the versorium is of a similar construction as the magnetic compass, but is influenced by electrostatic rather than magnetic forces. At the time, the differences between magnetic and electrical forces were poorly understood and Gilbert did a series of experiments to prove they were two separate types of forces with the Versorium and another device called a Terrella (or "little Earth"). In fact, Gilbert was the first to draw a clear distinction between magnetism and static electricity and is credited with establishing the term electricity^[3] - one might call him the first electrical engineer. Electric charge is a fundamental conserved property of some subatomic particles, which determines their electromagnetic interaction. ... An electroscope is a device which is used to detect the presence and magnitude of electric charge on a body. ... This article is about the navigational tool. ... Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the force exerted by a static (i. ... In physics, magnetism is a phenomenon by which materials exert an attractive or repulsive force on other materials. ... Kristian Birkelands magnetised terrella. ... An engineers degree is an academic degree which is intermediate in rank between a masters degree and a doctorate; it is occasionally to be encountered in the United States in technical fields. ...

Impact

Gilbert used the versorium to test whether different materials were "elektrics" (insulators, in modern terms) or non-"elektrics" (conductors). While he didn't devise a theory to explain his findings, it was a good example of how science was starting to change by incorporating empirical studies at the dawn of the age of reason.^[4] A century and a half later, Andrew Gordon constructed what seems to have been the first electric motor, which was based on Gilbert's device. His design was a double versorium, shaped like a swastika which rotated when a charged body was brought near.^[1] This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... In science and engineering, conductors, such as a electrical connector, are materials that readily conduct electric current through electrical conduction. ... The Age of Reason is either Thomas Paines book The Age of Reason. ... A right-facing Swastika in a decorative Hindu form The swastika (from Sanskrit ) is an equilateral cross with its arms bent at right angles, in either right-facing () or left-facing () forms. ...

Building a versorium is a suggested exercise in science classes in many elementary schools.^[5][6] One reason is that the operation of the versorium is simple to understand and the device is suitable for building by even young students, but can still be used to illustrate many important concepts in electricity. In fact, the Versorium can easily be built using household materials.^[7] Primary or elementary education is the first years of formal, structured education that occurs during childhood. ... Lightning strikes during a night-time thunderstorm. ...

See also

• Static electricity
• Electrometer

Static electricity is a class of phenomena involving the net charge present on an object; typically referring to charged object with voltages of sufficient magnitude to produce visible attraction, repulsion, and sparks. ... An electrometer is an electrical instrument for measuring electric charge or electrical potential difference. ...

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Brian Davies, (1980). "To make a vain man humble". Physics Education 15 (4): 248-254. 
2. ^ http://www.sparkmuseum.com/ELECTROSCOPE.HTM
3. ^ William Gilbert (1544–1603). Pioneers in Electricity. Retrieved on July 6, 2007.
4. ^ Electricity And Power - Page 6, Peter D. Riley, 2005
5. ^ Gilbert's Versorium. Resources for science learning. The Franklin Institute. Retrieved on July 6, 2007.
6. ^ Shalonda Oliver. Lesson Plan : Electricity and Magnetism. Retrieved on July 6, 2007.
7. ^ Michel Maussion. Building a Versorium. University of Nantes. Retrieved on July 6, 2007.