Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Smith, John (fl.1673-1680)
SMITH, JOHN (fl. 1673–1680), ‘philomath,’ was the author of: 1. ‘Stereometrie,’ London, 1673, 8vo. 2. ‘Horological Dialogues, in three parts, shewing the nature, use, and right management of Clocks and Watches … by J. S., clockmaker,’ London, 1675, 12mo. To the same John Smith is also attributed a technical treatise entitled 3. ‘The Art of Painting, wherein is included The whole Art of Vulgar Painting, according to the best and most approved Rules for preparing and laying on of Oyl Colours … with directions for painting Sun Dials and all manner of Timber work,’ London, 1676, 8vo; the second impression, with some alterations and useful additions, 1687, 8vo; 4th ed. ‘The Art of Painting in Oyl … to which is now added the Art and Mystery of Colouring Maps and other Prints with Water Colours,’ London, 1705, 12mo; another edition 1723, 8vo; 9th ed. 1788. 4. ‘A Complete Discourse of the Nature, Use, and right managing of that Wonderful instrument the Baroscope or quick silver weather glass,’ London, 1688, 8vo. 5. ‘Horological Disquisitions concerning the Nature of Time,’ &c., London, 1694, 8vo; 2nd ed. 1708. 6. ‘The Curiosities of Common Water, or the advantages thereof in preventing and curing many distempers. Gather'd from the Writings of several Eminent Physicians, and also from more than 40 years' experience,’ London, 1722, 8vo; 3rd. ed. 1723; 10th ed. curante Ralph Thoresby. This was an elaborate compilation from medical writers, such as Sir John Floyer [q. v.], Joseph Browne (fl. 1706) [q. v.], Daniel Duncan [q. v.], and others, advocating hydropathy and in praise of temperance and common-sense treatment. It had not only a large circulation in England, but was translated into German and into French as ‘Traité des Vertus de l'Eau commune,’ Paris, 1725; 2nd ed. 1626 [1726]; 3rd ed. 1730.
[Smith's Works in the British Museum; Wallace's Anti-Trinitarian Biogr. 1850, i. 246, 289 sq., iii. 389 sqq.]
Dictionary of National Biography, Errata (1904), p.254
N.B.— f.e. stands for from end and l.l. for last line
| Page | Col. | Line | |
| 75 | ii | 22 f.e. | Smith, John (fl. 1673-1680): for another read other |
| 21 f.e. | for edition 1723, read editions 1706 and 1723 |