Portal:History of science/Article/Week 45, 2006
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Electrochemistry a branch of chemistry suffered several changes on its evolution from early principles related to magnets in the early 16th and 17th centuries to complex theories involving conductivity, electrical charge and mathematical methods to describe electrical phenomena in the late 19th century and 20th century. Nowadays this branch of chemistry is a valuable source of investigation, many scientists are developing further methods related to batteries and fuel cells, avoiding corrosion or improving refining techniques by electrolysis.
The 16th century marked the beginning of the electrical understanding that culminated with the industrial production of electrical power in the late 19th century.
On 1550s English scientist William Gilbert spent 17 years experimenting with magnetism and, to a lesser extent, electricity. For his work on magnets, Gilbert became known as the "Father of Magnetism." He discovered various methods for producing and strengthening magnets. Gilbert's De Magnete quickly became the standard work throughout Europe on electrical and magnetic phenomena. Gilbert made the first clear distinction between magnetic and the amber effect (static electricity, as is known today). On his book "De Magnete" William stated a comprehensive review of what was known about the nature of magnetism. But it wasn't until the advent of the following century when the electrical concept gained scientific importance.
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