He was engaged during the greater part of his life as a professional accountant, but became interested in natural science, and was very skillful in the preparation of diagrams and in the mounting of objects for the microscope.
In some contributions to Axon's Field Naturalist,[1] he told the story of his scientific studies from the time of his first microscope, which he obtained in 1834.
He was a clear and animated speaker, and for many years lectured on various subjects of natural science to a great number of the mechanics' institutes and similar organisations.
He made frequent contributions to the Manchester City News, Unitarian Herald, and other papers on matters of scientific interest.
Brittain did not make any claim to be a discoverer, but he was a pleasant exponent of science, and did much to popularise the taste for natural history in his adopted home.