Polarisation Collection

Chromatic polarisation (colour litho)
3630288 Chromatic polarisation (colour litho) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chromatic polarisation in crystals)

David Brewster, Scottish physicist, 1868. Brewster (1781-1868) was editor of the Edinburgh Magazine, 1802 and the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, 1808. His scientific work was mainly in the field of optics

Biot Jean Baptiste, French physicist
Jean Baptiste Biot (1774-1862), French physicist. Biots most famous work concerned optical activity. He showed for the first time that different types of quartz rotate the plane of polarised light in

Polarising filter, artwork C017 / 7125
Polarising filter, computer artwork. A polarising filter (blue) allows light or other electromagnetic radiation whose electrical component lies at right angles (bottom) to the filter to pass through

Polarising filter, artwork C017 / 7126
Polarising filter, computer artwork. A polarising filter (blue) allows light or other electromagnetic radiation whose electrical component lies at right angles (bottom) to the filter to pass through

Cellular polarity, illustration C018 / 0775
Cellular Polarity. Conceptual illustration of cell polarity research and its medical implications

Magnet used by Faraday C016 / 3678
Faraday effect. A large electromagnet used by british scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) to demonstrate the Faraday effect

Jean Baptiste Biot, French physicist
Jean Baptiste Biot (1774-1862), French physicist. Biots most famous work concerned optical activity. He showed for the first time that different types of quartz rotate the plane of polarised light in

Defects in plastic, light micrograph
Defects of plastic. Polarised light micrograph showing the defects of a plastic moulding

Defective plastic, light micrograph
Defective plastic. Polarised light micrograph of a pipette. The non-red areas of the micrograph indicate defects in the plastic moulding

Silver fir wood, light micrograph
Silver fir (Abies alba). Light micrograph taken with polarised light, showing a section through a piece of silver fir wood

Jacques Babinet, French physicist
Jacques Babinet (1794-1872), French physicist, astronomer and meteorologist. Babinet was the first to suggest using wavelengths of light to standardise measurements

Optics experiment, historical artwork. A beam of light (left) is passing through a set of two rotatable lenses (centre left) that disperse the beam. A third lens focuses the beam

Etienne Malus, French physicist
Etienne Malus. Portrait of the French physicist Etienne Louis Malus (1775-1812). Malus was a military engineer in Napoleons army from 1796 to 1801

Womans face, conceptual artwork. Abstract parts of a womans face (eyes, nose and mouth) on a background of polarised light effects. A red rose is at lower left

Stinging nettle stem, light micrograph
Stinging nettle stem. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a stem of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica)

Potato starch grains, light micrograph
Potato starch grains. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through a potato tuber (Solanum tuberosum), showing the starch grains

Orchid starch grains, light micrograph
Orchid starch grains. Polarised light micrograph of a transverse section through an orchid tuber (Phaius grandifolius), showing the starch grains

Cosmic man juggling worlds, artwork
Cosmic man juggling worlds. Conceptual computer artwork of a figure illuminated by polarised light, standing on the Earth and juggling four globes. The background is a starry night sky

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Polarisation, a phenomenon that has fascinated scientists and artists alike, encompasses various aspects of our world. From chromatic polarisation in color lithography to the groundbreaking discoveries made by Scottish physicist David Brewster in 1868, this concept has left an indelible mark on history. The contributions of French physicist Biot Jean Baptiste cannot be overlooked when discussing polarisation. His extensive research paved the way for advancements such as the invention of polarising filters, showcased beautifully in artwork C017 / 7125 and C017 / 7126. These filters have revolutionized photography and allowed us to capture stunning images with enhanced clarity. Beyond the realm of optics, cellular polarity also plays a crucial role in understanding biological processes. Illustrated vividly in C018 / 0775, this concept reveals how cells organize themselves asymmetrically to perform specific functions within living organisms. Even magnetism is not immune to the effects of polarisation. The magnet used by Faraday (C016 / 3678) demonstrates how magnetic fields can align or orient themselves based on external influences—a testament to nature's intricate workings. Returning to Biot's legacy as a French physicist, his name echoes throughout history due to his significant contributions. His work continues to inspire generations of scientists who delve into the complexities of polarization and its far-reaching implications. But it is not just scientific endeavors that benefit from understanding polarization; even everyday materials like plastic reveal fascinating insights under microscopic examination. Defects within plastic become apparent through light micrographs such as those captured in C018 / 0775 and C018 / 0776—reminding us that even imperfections hold their own unique beauty. Lastly, we explore silver fir wood through another captivating light micrograph—an image that showcases both its structural intricacies and inherent polarization properties. This glimpse into nature's design reminds us once again why studying polarization remains an endless source of wonderment for scientists and artists alike. Polarisation encompasses a vast array of disciplines and subjects.