fl. 1269

French Physicist and Engineer

Petrus Peregrinus de Maricourt conducted the first systematic experiments on magnetism and invented improved nautical compasses. He was one of the few medieval scientists to have conducted experimental inquires.

Little is known of Peregrinus's life. His real name was Petrus de Maharncuria (Pierre de Maricourt), indicating he was from Méharicourt in Picardy, France. It appears he was of noble birth. The only event of his life that can be dated with certainty is the completion of Epistola de magnete (Letter on the magnet), which describes his experiments with magnets. He signed this document, "Completed in camp, at the siege of Lucera, in the year of our Lord 1269." Based on this it has been suggested that Peregrinus was an engineer in the army of Charles of Anjou, King of Sicily, who at the time was...