John Wilkins (Ball and Magnet) PMM Animation

Ball and Magnet perpetual motion machine is another classic attempts of inventors trying to harness the constant pull of permanent magnets to achieve perpetual motion.

John Wilkins (14 February 1614–19 November 1672) was an Anglican clergyman, natural philosopher and author, and was one of the founders of the Royal Society. He was Bishop of Chester from 1668 until his death. He was the first to propose such a design.

However, the generalized pull of a magnet in all directions will make this kind of motion impossible.

[Musique]

If the magnet were that strong, the ball would zip right over the hole and fly at the magnet. Fun to watch despite. :-)

[sham]

Inspirational! What attracts the ball on such a long span?

[tamee]

Stupid physics behind this design. If the magnet can pull that ball with such a force towards it then it won’t let it drop downward in that slope.