The Journey of Magnet

Since thousands of years, Magnet has been in use for mankind. The Chinese literary work in 4th century B.C.E. is the first evidence to magnetism dates. In a book named “lodestone attracts iron to it” it is clearly defined that Lodestone is a sort of magnetite metal along with fine unique crystalline structure that can predictably create an effect of magnetic field and in this manner attracting and magnetizing iron. Through the end of 12th century A.D., some Chinese sailors were taking help of magnets as compasses to identify the directions for sea navigation.

History tells that at some point of time it was believed that lodestone has the quality to keep skin look glowing and youthful. That is the reason why, Cleopatra, for many years was slept on a lodestone. Not only the Chinese but the beneficial repute of lodestone was passed on to the Greeks, very soon, and then they also start using magnets for healing.

It has been seen that at first the Chinese discovered the medicinal effect of Magnets and later rest of the people follow the same. Still today Magnets are known for the first line treatment for numerous common health complaints. A treatment of warm lodestones placed strategically on the back of a back-ached patient is an effective measure to avoid back pain. In the modern days also the medical science is not far away from the use of magnetism. However you will be surprised to know that magneto encephalography (MEG) is used to gauge brain activity. Using shock therapy is another example of the application of magnet in medical science to start a stopped heart.

Today, we all are aware of the use of magnets in the field of industrial and mechanical applications. Now magnetic power is very commonly used to drive all electric motors and electric generators. All the electric motors are dependent on magnets for their proper function with electrical coils. So, while the current move, magnet also follows the same sequence. Electro-magnets are used in the common machines like telephones, telegraphs, computers, door bells, cell phones and  tape recorders, as well. Apart from this Electromagnets are also used on cranes to deal with the heavy loads. Construction sites can be cleaned up by truck mounted magnets to prevent nails in vehicle tires whereas the industrial conveyor systems help to pull metal parts out of various materials. The constructions sites can be easily cleaned with truck mounted.

As the age advances magnet technology is becoming progressively more important. Thus it is believed that as the time passes on the technology continues to build up, and our perceptive of magnets will surely develop and go on playing a significant role in our daily lives.

About Stanford Magnets：

Based in California, Stanford Magnets has been involved in the R&D and sales of licensed Rare-earth magnets, Neodymium magnets and SmCo magnets, ceramic magnets, flexible magnets and magnetic assemblies since the mid of 1980s. We supply all these types of magnets in a wide range of shapes, sizes and grades.