# What was discovered first - The Coulomb constant or Gauss law?

I checked out some resources on how the constant of proportionality of the Coulomb force was discovered and to my surprise, I found out that it was mathematically derived (unlike the Cavendish experiment for the gravitational constant) by using Gauss's law.

When I searched for the proof of Gauss's law, it used Coulomb's law WITH THE COULOMB CONSTANT AS $1/4πε$. Surely I am missing something, can you guide me?

Links - For Coulomb's constant, check out the 'Value of the constant' section https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb%27s_constant

For proof of Gauss's law, check out 'Deriving Gauss' law from Coulomb's law' in 'Relation to Coulomb law' section https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gauss%27_law

• Shreyansh Darshan, I have edited the question at your request :) – Vishal Iyer Aug 18 '17 at 15:31
• If you are asking for the actual historical development, this question might fit better at History of Science and Mathematics – ACuriousMind Aug 18 '17 at 15:33
• I want both of them, the history behind it and the problem I have mentioned in the question. – Vishal Iyer Aug 18 '17 at 15:35