The first description of magnetism traces back to nearly 2 600 years ago to thales of miletus who witnessed iron attracted to a loadstone but attributed it to the metal having a soul .

最早关于磁的描述可以追溯到2600年前的古希腊米利都的泰勒斯，他发现铁能够被磁铁矿所吸附，但是他认为是铁拥有灵魂。

Was the poor prisoner 's cry with which he strengthened his sinking heart , as he left all that was dear on earth behind him , and floated away for the loadstone rock .

这是那可怜的囚徒的呼唤。他就是用这呼唤鼓起勇气，抛开了他在这世上所爱的一切，向那磁礁漂流而去的。