Terrella, c. 1765.

Terrella, c. 1765. Terrella, c. 1765.

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Terrella, c. 1765. A terrella is a spherical lodestone made of magnetite, a magnetic mineral. The word 'terrella', meaning little Earth, was given to spherical lodestones as they have the same magnetic properties as the Earth. This ornamental example was probably made by George Adams of Fleet Street, instrument maker to King George III.

Details

Category:
King George III
Object Number:
1927-1816
Materials:
brass and magnetite
Measurements:
overall: 170 mm x 85 mm diameter, 0.6 kg
type:
lodestones and spherical lodestones
credit:
King's College, London