in 1855 brewer travelled to europe where he studied natural science under professor robert bunsen at the university of heidelberg in germany. he then went to munich to study organic chemistry under professor justus von liebig. in 1857 brewer went to paris, france and studied chemistry under professor michel eugène chevreul. in 1858 brewer returned to the united states and married angelina jameson, of ovid, new york on august 14, 1858. in october, he was appointed professor of chemistry at washington and jefferson college in washington, pennsylvania. his wife later died in june, 1859.