BREWSTER, DAVID. -

On the Polarisation of Light by oblique transmission through all Bodies, whether crystallized or uncrystallized. In a Letter addressed to Taylor Combe. Read January 27, 1814.

(London, W. Bulmer and Co., 1814). 4to. No wrappers as extracted from "Philosophical Transactions" 1814 - Part I. Pp. 219-230 and 1 engraved plate. Fine and clean.

First appearance of this pioneer work in the optical theory of polarization and double refraction by "The discoverer of the law of polarization, of biaxal crystals, of optical mineralogy, and of double refraction by compression."

"Since Brewster had found that light was partially polarized by oblique refraction in mica, he attempted to determine the law of this polarization in he simpler case of successive refractions by a pile of thin glass plates. By the end of 1813 he had concluded that "the number of plates in any parcel, multiplied by the tangent of the angle, at which it (completely) polarises light, is a constant quantity" (in the paper offered here p. 221). More importent, since "the pencil of light polarised by transmission (comports) itself, in every respect like one of the pencils former by double refracting crystals" (the paper offered p. 219), study of the physical optics of transparent ought to enable philosophers "to unfold the secrets of double refraction, to explain the forms and structure of crystallised bodies...."(DSB).

Order-nr.: 42350