Sir David Brewster (11 December 1781–10 February 1868)

British natural philosopher and academic administrator. Brewster was born in Jedburgh, Scotland and was something of a child prodigy, being sent to the University of Edinburgh at the age of 12 to study for a career in the Church of Scotland. From his late teenage years his interest in physics, particularly optics and light, took priority. He is famed for inventing the kaleidoscope and the lenticular stereoscope. For his work in optics, Brewster was awarded the Copley Medal in 1815, the Rumford Medal in 1818, and the Royal Medal in 1830. He also was a founder of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Despite his scientific achievements Brewster's income was primarily gained through other endeavours. He was a private tutor from 1799 to 1807, he edited the Edinburgh Magazine and Scots Magazine from 1802 to 1806, the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia from 1807 to 1830, and various scientific journals from 1819 to the end of his life, and he was author of numerous popular books and articles. Brewster was notably critical of Darwin's theory of evolution which he considered offensive to his Christian faith. Brewster married twice.FRS.