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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Paper, 'On the difference of gravity by removing the body further from the surface of the Earth' by Robert Hooke

Reference number: CLP/20/7

Date: 24 December 1662

Description

Having conducted an experiment about the decrease of gravity the further a body is taken below the surface of the earth, now relates an experiment as to whether the body's weight would differ if it was moved nearer or further upwards from the surface of the earth. Discusses performing this experiment from a height at Westminster Abbey, and the findings.

Subject: Physics

Reference number
CLP/20/7
Earliest possible date
24 December 1662
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
3 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Robert Hooke

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Citation

Robert Hooke, Paper, 'On the difference of gravity by removing the body further from the surface of the Earth' by Robert Hooke, 24 December 1662, CLP/20/7, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/clp_20_7/paper-on-the-difference-of-gravity-by-removing-the-body-further-from-the-surface-of-the-earth-by-robert-hooke, accessed on 12 November 2025

Link to this record

https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/clp_20_7/paper-on-the-difference-of-gravity-by-removing-the-body-further-from-the-surface-of-the-earth-by-robert-hooke

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  • Classified Papers

    The 'Classified Papers' of the Royal Society are papers from British and international natural philosophers and scholars categorised according to subject areas.

    Dates: 1592 - 1741

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