A mystery bidder has bought a first edition scientific work by Colchester-born William Gilberd in a major auction of historic books.
The 400-year-old book, De Magnete, was the first major scientific book based on the evidence from experiments and fetched £14,290 - more than its estimated price.
William Gilberd lived in Trinity Street, Colchester, and coined the term electricity. He was the first scientist to suggest that the earth was a magnet and was the pioneer of electromagnetism.
The book was sold by Chicago property tycoon Abel Berland in a major sale of his book collection at Christie's in New York earlier this week.
A Christie's spokeswoman said first editions fetch more, especially if they are in good condition.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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