About Gowin Knight
Lived 1713 – 1772 (aged 58). Gowin Knight was a British librarian, physicist, inventor and mechanic.
Gowin Knight FRS (10 September 1713 – 8 June 1772) was a British physicist who, in 1745, discovered a process for producing strongly magnetised steel. He also served as the first principal librarian of the British Museum.
Capsule biography of Gowin Knight at Science & Society Picture Library website Gowin Knight entry at the Encyclopædia Britannica Online
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Gowin Knight?
British physicist (1713-1772)
When was Gowin Knight born?
Gowin Knight was born on 10 September 1713 in Corringham.
When did Gowin Knight die?
Gowin Knight died on 8 June 1772 in London.
What was Gowin Knight's occupation?
Gowin Knight was a librarian, physicist, inventor and mechanic.
What nationality was Gowin Knight?
Gowin Knight was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gowin Knight. https://biography.guide/gowin-knight/
MLA: "Gowin Knight." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gowin-knight/.
Chicago: "Gowin Knight." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gowin-knight/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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