Brewster
Brewster names 2 different subjects across the 6 encyclopedias on this shelf. Each is set out below.
Brewster SIR DAVID, a Scotch natural philosopher
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
SIR DAVID, a Scotch natural philosopher, born in Jedburgh in 1781. He was educated for the Church of Scotland. In 1808 he undertook the editorship of the "Edinburgh Encyclopædia," which was not finished till 1829. In 1815 he received the Copley medal for his paper on the "Polarization of Light by Reflection," and in the following year, for his discoveries in physics an award from the French Institute. In 1816 he invented the kaleidoscope, in 1818 received the Rumford medal of the Royal Society, and in 1830 was presented with the medal of the Royal Society for his further researches on the properties of light. In the same year, with Davy, Herschel, and Babbage, he originated the British Association, the first meeting of which was held at York in 1831. He was knighted by William IV. In 1841 he became principal of St. Leonard's College at St. Andrew's. In 1849 he was elected President of the British Association, and the same year was chosen, in the place of Berzelius, one of the eight foreign Associates of the French Academy of Sciences. His discoveries in reference to the properties of light have led to great improvements in the illumination of lighthouses. Among his more popular works are a "Treatise on the Kaleidoscope," a "Treatise on the Stereoscope," a "Treatise on Optics," "Letters on Natural Magic," "The Martyrs of Science," and "Memoirs on the Life and Writings of Sir Isaac Newton." He died in Montrose, Scotland, Feb. 2, 1868.
Brewster WILLIAM, one of the Massachusetts Pilgrims
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
WILLIAM, one of the Massachusetts Pilgrims, was born in Scrooby, England, in 1560. He came of a well known family; was educated at the University of Cambridge, and was for a time postmaster at Scrooby. He had accepted the Separatist doctrines taught by Hooker and others, and in consequence had to flee to Holland, where he supported himself by printing. He was one of the leaders of those who sailed for the New World in the "Mayflower," and, as elder of the church, encouraged his fellow colonists at Plymouth both by his preaching and his example. He died in Plymouth, Mass., April 10, 1644.
What Has Changed in the Last Century
Both lives were closed books when Collier's wrote in 1921, and the outlines still stand. David Brewster's optical work outlasted the kaleidoscope he is remembered for: the Brewster angle and Brewster's law remain standard terms in physics and photography, and Collier's oddly omits that he ended his career as Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1859; his death is now usually given as 10 February 1868 at Allerly, near Melrose, rather than 2 February at Montrose. For William Brewster, modern genealogical work puts his birth around 1566 rather than 1560, and the Separatist teachers who shaped him are identified as men such as Richard Clyfton and John Robinson rather than Hooker. The largest shift is in framing: the Mayflower quatercentenary in 2020 was marked on both sides of the Atlantic with Wampanoag voices given equal place beside the Pilgrims Collier's celebrated.
Written for this edition, 2026.