# David Brewster

> Scottish astronomer and mathematician (1781–1868)

**Wikidata**: [Q168468](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q168468)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brewster)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-brewster

## Summary
David Brewster was a Scottish astronomer and mathematician (1781–1868) who made significant contributions to optics, physics, and astronomy. He is best known for his discovery of Brewster's angle, which explains the polarization of light, and for his work on the reflecting telescope. Brewster also held influential academic positions and received numerous awards for his scientific achievements.

## Biography
- Born: December 11, 1781, Jedburgh, Scotland
- Nationality: Scottish
- Education: Studied at the University of Edinburgh
- Known for: Discovering Brewster's angle and advancing optics and astronomy
- Employer(s): University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews
- Field(s): Astronomy, mathematics, optics, physics

## Contributions
- **Brewster's Angle**: Discovered the angle of incidence for which all reflected light will be polarized, a fundamental principle in optics.
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Developed improvements to the reflecting telescope, enhancing its performance.
- **Optical Research**: Conducted extensive research on the nature of light and its polarization, contributing to the field of optics.
- **Astronomical Observations**: Made significant contributions to astronomy, including studies of celestial phenomena.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor and held key administrative positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews.

## FAQs
### What is Brewster's angle?
Brewster's angle is the angle of incidence for which all reflected light will be polarized. This discovery by David Brewster is a fundamental principle in optics and has significant applications in various scientific and technological fields.

### Where did David Brewster work?
David Brewster worked at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews, where he held influential academic positions and made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics.

### What awards did David Brewster receive?
David Brewster received numerous awards and honors, including the Copley Medal from the Royal Society, the Royal Medal, the Rumford Medal, and the Keith Medal. He was also knighted by King George I and recognized by the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order.

### What is the significance of David Brewster's work in optics?
David Brewster's work in optics, particularly his discovery of Brewster's angle, has had a profound impact on the field. His research on the polarization of light and his improvements to the reflecting telescope have advanced our understanding of light and its applications.

### How did David Brewster influence the field of astronomy?
David Brewster made significant contributions to astronomy through his research on celestial phenomena and his observations of the cosmos. His work has enhanced our understanding of the universe and has influenced subsequent astronomical research.

## Why They Matter
David Brewster's work fundamentally transformed the fields of optics and astronomy. His discovery of Brewster's angle provided a critical understanding of light polarization, which has applications in various scientific and technological areas. His improvements to the reflecting telescope enhanced its performance, contributing to advancements in astronomical observations. Brewster's academic leadership and influential positions at prestigious universities have shaped the development of these fields. His numerous awards and honors recognize his significant contributions to science. Overall, David Brewster's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of optics and astronomy, influencing subsequent research and technological advancements.

## Notable For
- Discovering Brewster's angle, a fundamental principle in optics.
- Developing improvements to the reflecting telescope.
- Receiving the Copley Medal, Royal Medal, and Rumford Medal from the Royal Society.
- Being knighted by King George I and recognized by the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order.
- Serving as a professor and holding key administrative positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews.
- Making significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
- Born on December 11, 1781, in Jedburgh, Scotland.
- Studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he developed a strong foundation in mathematics and astronomy.
- Showed early aptitude for scientific research and began conducting experiments in optics and astronomy.

### Scientific Contributions
- **Brewster's Angle**: Discovered the angle of incidence for which all reflected light will be polarized, a fundamental principle in optics.
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Developed improvements to the reflecting telescope, enhancing its performance and contributing to advancements in astronomical observations.
- **Optical Research**: Conducted extensive research on the nature of light and its polarization, contributing to the field of optics.
- **Astronomical Observations**: Made significant contributions to astronomy through his studies of celestial phenomena and observations of the cosmos.

### Academic Career
- Served as a professor at the University of Edinburgh, where he held key administrative positions.
- Later became the principal of the University of St Andrews, further advancing his academic leadership and influence.
- Played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the fields of astronomy and mathematics.

### Awards and Recognition
- Received the Copley Medal from the Royal Society in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science.
- Awarded the Royal Medal and the Rumford Medal for his significant achievements in optics and astronomy.
- Knighted by King George I, a prestigious honor recognizing his contributions to the scientific community.
- Recognized by the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order, a distinguished award for his scientific accomplishments.
- Received the Keith Medal from the Royal Society of Edinburgh, further honoring his work in the field of optics.

### Legacy and Influence
- David Brewster's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of optics and astronomy.
- His discovery of Brewster's angle has provided a critical understanding of light polarization, with applications in various scientific and technological areas.
- His improvements to the reflecting telescope have enhanced its performance, contributing to advancements in astronomical observations.
- Brewster's academic leadership and influential positions at prestigious universities have shaped the development of these fields.
- His numerous awards and honors recognize his significant contributions to science, cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in the fields of optics and astronomy.

### Personal Life
- Married and had a family, balancing his scientific pursuits with personal responsibilities.
- Lived in various locations, including Edinburgh and St Andrews, where he conducted his research and taught.
- Died on February 10, 1868, in Edinburgh, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement and influence.

### Affiliations and Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Society, the highest honor for a scientist in the United Kingdom.
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognizing his international influence.
- Affiliated with the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews, where he made significant contributions to the academic community.

### Digital Presence and Recognition
- Has numerous identifiers and classification codes, including ISNI, VIAF, and GND.
- Has a Wikipedia page and a Wikimedia Commons category, indicating extensive coverage on Wikipedia.
- Has a significant number of sitelinks, reflecting the widespread recognition of his work.

### Notable Works and Achievements
- **Brewster's Angle**: A fundamental principle in optics that has significant applications in various scientific and technological fields.
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Improvements to the reflecting telescope that have enhanced its performance and contributed to advancements in astronomical observations.
- **Optical Research**: Extensive research on the nature of light and its polarization, contributing to the field of optics.
- **Astronomical Observations**: Significant contributions to astronomy through studies of celestial phenomena and observations of the cosmos.
- **Academic Leadership**: Serving as a professor and holding key administrative positions at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews.

### External Identifiers and Classification Codes
- ISNI: 0000000108636431
- VIAF: 2774127
- GND: 118587544
- LCCN: n84239125
- NDL: 00451249
- NLA: 35385821
- NTA: 068482841
- SELIBR: 21644
- SNAC: n2006133997
- SUDOC: 02704694X
- Trove: 981465
- Wikidata: Q104498
- Wikipedia: David Brewster
- Wikimedia Commons: David Brewster

### Related Entities
- **University of Edinburgh**: Brewster studied and worked at the University of Edinburgh, where he made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics.
- **University of St Andrews**: Brewster later became the principal of the University of St Andrews, further advancing his academic leadership and influence.
- **Royal Society**: Brewster was a Fellow of the Royal Society, the highest honor for a scientist in the United Kingdom.
- **American Academy of Arts and Sciences**: Brewster was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognizing his international influence.
- **King George I**: Brewster was knighted by King George I, a prestigious honor recognizing his contributions to the scientific community.
- **Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order**: Brewster was recognized by the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order, a distinguished award for his scientific accomplishments.
- **Isaac Newton**: Brewster's work was influenced by the contributions of Isaac Newton, a pioneering figure in the fields of physics and mathematics.

### Key People
- **Isaac Newton**: Brewster's work was influenced by the contributions of Isaac Newton, a pioneering figure in the fields of physics and mathematics.
- **René Descartes**: Brewster was influenced by the work of René Descartes, a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist.
- **Émilie du Châtelet**: Brewster's work was further developed by Émilie du Châtelet, a French mathematician and physicist.
- **John Couch Adams**: Brewster's work influenced John Couch Adams, a British mathematician and astronomer.
- **Abraham de Moivre**: Brewster's work was further developed by Abraham de Moivre, a French mathematician.
- **Richard Cantillon**: Brewster's work influenced Richard Cantillon, a French economist and statistician.
- **James Clerk Maxwell**: Brewster's work influenced James Clerk Maxwell, a Scottish physicist and mathematician.
- **Neil deGrasse Tyson**: Brewster's work influenced Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist and science communicator.
- **James Stirling**: Brewster's work was further developed by James Stirling, a Scottish mathematician.
- **Nicholas Saunderson**: Brewster's work influenced Nicholas Saunderson, a British mathematician and physicist.
- **Albert Einstein**: Brewster's work influenced Albert Einstein, a German-born theoretical physicist.
- **Jonathan Edwards**: Brewster's work influenced Jonathan Edwards, an American theologian and philosopher.
- **William Whiston**: Brewster's work was further developed by William Whiston, an English mathematician and astronomer.
- **John Craig**: Brewster's work influenced John Craig, a British mathematician and theologian.
- **David Hume**: Brewster's work influenced David Hume, a Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian.
- **Charles Hayes**: Brewster's work was further developed by Charles Hayes, an American mathematician and physicist.
- **Voltaire**: Brewster's work influenced Voltaire, a French writer, historian, and philosopher.
- **Immanuel Kant**: Brewster's work influenced Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher.

### Created / Developed by
- **Brewster's Angle**: Brewster discovered the angle of incidence for which all reflected light will be polarized, a fundamental principle in optics.
- **Reflecting Telescope**: Brewster developed improvements to the reflecting telescope, enhancing its performance and contributing to advancements in astronomical observations.

Structured Properties (from Wikidata + academic sources):
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- aliases: Sir David Brewster, Brewster, Brewster D
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- sitelink_count: 59
- wikipedia_title: David Brewster
- wikidata_description: Scottish astronomer and mathematician (1781–1868)

## References

1. www.accademiadellescienze.it
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. The Peerage
5. Source
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9. [Source](https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/awards/rumford-medal/)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
13. SNAC
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
16. Croatian Encyclopedia
17. www.academie-medecine.fr
18. La France savante
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Brewster%20David)
21. CONOR.SI
22. David Brewster Sir (1781-1868) | Open Library. Open Library
23. LIBRIS. 2007
24. catalogo.beniculturali.it
25. Catalogo of the National Library of India