A region of concentrated magnetism in a magnet analogous to an electrostatic point charge. Historically a magnet was considered as being formed from two magnetic poles of opposite types (north and south) located near its ends. Lines of magnetic force converge on or diverge from the magnetic poles. Use of the concept of magnetic poles allowed the theory of magnetostatics to be developed along similar lines to that of electrostatics, by applying the inverse square law of forces to these imaginary poles. This approach to magnetostatics however requires the use of the magnetic monopole for its development; also the precise location of the magnetic poles is indeterminate. Modern practice favours the use of magnetic moment instead.