Edwin Herbert Land was born to relatively poor parents in a small town in New England. Although neither of his parents were formally educated, Land began studying optics and the polarization of light from a young age. After attending and graduating a prestigious high school, he briefly enrolled in an elite university before dropping out to pursue a business project. Continuing to work on his research into the polarization of light, he ultimately impressed his former professors, who welcomed him back to continue his research. After several hard years of experimentation, Edwin managed to perfect an industrial process for polarized sheets. When big Wall Street industrials were convinced of the potential of Herbert's ideas, they helped him found one of the most successful American companies in history. He continued his work as a scientist in the company, helping to develop the world's first instant camera. Edwin also collaborated with the military during the war to help improve reconnaissance techniques and long-distance photography. After more than 40 years of working to improve and develop optics, Herbert retired and then founded his own research institution. After a lengthy life and distinguished career, this famous inventor passed away of natural causes, heralded by the public as a scientific and entrepreneurial genius