And from what laws the attractive functions spring.

(The Magnet’s name the observing Grecians drew

From the Magnet’s region where it grew.)

Its viewless, potent, virtues men surprise;

Its strange effects they view with wondering eyes,

When without aid of hinges, links or springs,

A pendent chain we hold of steely rings,

Dropt from the stone; the stone the binding source,

Ring cleaves to ring, and owns magnetic force;

Those held superior those below maintain;