David Brewster (1781–1868)

Scottish physicist who specialised in optics. Invented the kaleidoscope in 1816. Edited the Edinburgh encyclopædia, 1807–30. Assisted in the establishment of the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1831. Principal of the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard, St Andrews University, 1838–59. Vice-chancellor, Edinburgh University, 1860–8. Knighted, 1832. FRS 1815.