Magnetism

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( n.) The property, quality, or state, of being magnetic; the manifestation of the force in nature which is seen in a magnet.

(2): ( n.) Power of attraction; power to excite the feelings and to gain the affections.

(3): ( n.) The science which treats of magnetic phenomena.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

The branch of science devoted to the study of the properties of magnets, and of electric currents in their magnetic relations; sometimes also used to denote the subtle influence supposed to lie at the root of all magnetic phenomena, of the true nature of which nothing is known. See Animal Magnetism .