Henry Peter Brougham (1772-1858), 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, British statesman. Brougham was born and educated at Edinburgh. At university he studied natural sciences and mathematics as well as law. He published scientific papers on optics, becoming a fellow of the Royal Society in 1799, but concentrated on a career in law. He worked as a journalist and established the Edinburgh Review, a highly successful magaine. When he moved to London, Brougham became a society figure and made friends in political circles. He was elected a member of parliament in 1810, and following his defence of the Princess of Wales against a divorce petition, was made Lord Chancellor in 1830 and elevated to the peerage. In later years he devoted his energies to improving public education and was one of the founders of University College, London. He also designed a carriage that bears his name.