Coimbra Exhibition

Chinese magnet set in a crown

CreatorWilliam Dugood
Place of OriginLisbon
Date1734-1741
DescriptionInside the frame that represents the royal crown, there is a 12kg magnetite that can raise a 58kg weight. The magnetite was a gift from Emperor Kangxi to King João V in 1722. This instrument was built in Lisbon by William Dugood, a member of the Royal Society of London. It was part of the College of Nobles collection that was transferred to the University of Coimbra in 1773.
TagsScientific instruments, Physics cabinet, China, 18th century
Dimensions965 x 780 x 443
Material/MediumMagnetite, Wood, Iron, Brass, Leather, Cotton, Ivory
Institutional Link to Objecthttp://museudaciencia.inwebonline.net/ficha.aspx?id=1432&src=fisica&tab=ciencia
Institutional Link to Online Portalhttp://museudaciencia.inwebonline.net/
Image LicenseCC-BY
Image Rights Holder© Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra
Photographic CreditsJosé Meneses
Metadata RightsCC0