The Standard Electrical Dictionary

1. Magnetic Poles

   The points where the equipotential surfaces of the terrestrial field of force graze the earth's surface; the points toward which the north or south poles of the magnetic needle is attracted. Over a magnetic pole the magnetic needle tends to stand in a vertical position. There are two poles, Arctic or negative, and Antarctic or positive. Magnetic needles surrounding them do not necessarily point toward them, as they point to the centres of curvature of their respective magnetic parallels. The poles constantly change in position. The line joining them does not coincide with anything which may be termed the magnetic axis of the earth.