Public Figure Profiles

David Brewster

Sir David Brewster KH PRSE FRS FSA Scot FSSA MICE (11 December 1781 – 10 February 1868) was a British scientist, inventor, author, and academic administrator. In science he is principally remembered for his experimental work in physical optics, mostly concerned with the study of the polarization of light and including the discovery of Brewster's angle. He studied the birefringence of crystals under compression and discovered photoelasticity, thereby creating the field of optical mineralogy. For this work, William Whewell dubbed him the "father of modern experimental optics" and "the Johannes Kepler of optics."A pioneer in photography, Brewster invented an improved stereoscope, which he called "lenticular stereoscope" and which became the first portable 3D-viewing device. He also invented the binocular camera, two types of polarimeters, the polyzonal lens, the lighthouse illuminator, and the kaleidoscope.

Brewster was a devout Presbyterian and marched arm-in-arm with his brother during the events of the Disruption of 1843, which led to the formation of the Free Church of Scotland. As a historian of science, Brewster focused on the life and work of his hero, Isaac Newton. Brewster published a detailed biography of Newton in 1831 and later became the first scientific historian to examine many of the papers in Newton's Nachlass. Brewster also wrote numerous works of popular science, and was one of the founders of the British Science Association, of which he was elected President in 1849. He became the public face of higher education in Scotland, serving as Principal of the University of St Andrews (1837–1859) and later of the University of Edinburgh (1859–1868). Brewster also edited the 18-volume Edinburgh Encyclopædia.

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Some of their strengths

David Brewster has many admirable traits.

Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Intelligent, Creative, Practical, Energetic, Imaginative, Honest, and Kind.

Adventurous and Independent

According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, David Brewster is someone who is an adventurous, independent, and energetic person, who is insightful, imaginative, generous, and honest. A person who is ambitious and motivated.

Soulful and Intuitive

Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know David Brewster well know them as someone who can be graceful, romantic, and reserved, like gentle rain.

Altruistic and Innovative

According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe David Brewster as someone who is altruistic, inventive, energetic, and socially-conscious.

Who is inventive, open-minded and inquisitive, optimistic and cooperative, and who loves working together with others.

Vigorous and Friendly

Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, David Brewster is someone who has a vigor and energy that applies itself to all life's activities and endeavors, and a knack for forming family-like structures, groups, and communities.

They are also someone who is balanced, stable, and energetic, who likes the idea of home and family, and who is very comfortable being the person in charge.

Optimistic and Quick-witted

According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, David Brewster tends to be someone who is optimistic and spontaneous, and who has a clear and analytical mind. Who can be witty, with a happy-go-lucky- nature that makes others cheerful, and who possesses an adventurous zest for life.

Some of David Brewster's challenges

While David Brewster has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.

For example, David Brewster can be Impulsive, Aggressive, Careless, Hesitant, Narcissistic, Indecisive, and Unrealistic.

Impulsive and Careless

One of David Brewster's key challenges is that they are someone who can be impulsive and careless.

David Brewster must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive, and can have difficulty dealing with responsibility, authority, or criticism.

Anxious and Inflexible

David Brewster is someone who can be high-strung, impatient, and inflexible, who can be "penny wise and pound foolish", have poor listening skills, and who can be intolerant of people who share a different world view.

Irritable and Callous

Finally, David Brewster also can be short-tempered, childish, insensitive, and careless at times.

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