V 
polarisation of light by reflexion from transparent bodies. 159 
cause of those wonderful phenomena which light exhibits 
under all its various modifications. 
In the preceding pages, I have more than once had occa- 
sion to establish conclusions opposite to those which Malus 
had deduced from less numerous experiments ; and indeed 
the whole of this paper is founded on relations which he be- 
lieved to have no existence. In differing, however, from this 
eminent philosopher, I trust I have always done it with that 
respect which it is impossible not to feel for his character and 
labours. It has fallen to the lot of few to enrich science with 
so many new and striking discoveries, and if he has failed in 
pursuing them through all their consequences, we must ascribe 
it to the limited interval which he was allowed to devote to 
science, and to the influence of that cruel disease which ter- 
minated so prematurely his short but brilliant career. Those, 
who without repeating his experiments endeavoured during 
his life to depreciate his labours, are alone capable of wound- 
ing his memory. Those who, like him, have pursued science 
under the oppression of bodily suffering ; — who have been 
instructed and delighted with his discoveries, and who have 
patiently followed him in the path of research, will feel it 
their truest pride to do justice to his memory, and will never 
be able to review his labours without mingling their sorrow 
with their admiration. 
I have the honour to be, &c. 
DAVID BREWSTER. 
Edinburgh, February 1 1 , 1815. 
From the Press of 
W. BULMER& Co. 
Cleveland, row, St. James’s, 
London. 
