Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Smith, Philip

by Edgar Cardew Marchant

SMITH, PHILIP (1817–1885), writer on ancient history, son of William Smith of Enfield, and younger brother of Sir William Smith [q. v.], was born in 1817. He was educated at Mill Hill school, and entered Coward College as a student for the congregational ministry in April 1834. He graduated B.A. at London in May 1840. He was professor of classics and mathematics in Cheshunt College from 1840 to 1850, and pastor of the congregational church at Crossbrook from 1840 to 1845. From 1850 to 1852 he was first professor of mathematics and ecclesiastical history in New College, and from 1853 to 1860 headmaster of Mill Hill school. The remainder of his life was spent in writing for his brother's dictionaries and in historical work. He was editor of the ‘Biblical Review’ from 1846 to 1851, and a frequent contributor to the ‘Quarterly Review,’ while his brother William was its editor. He died at Putney on 12 May 1885. Smith published:

1. ‘A Smaller History of England,’ London, 1862, 8vo; 28th edit. 1890.
2. ‘A History of the Ancient World,’ the only portion published of a projected ‘History of the World,’ London, 1863–5, 8vo.
3. ‘A Smaller Ancient History of the East,’ London, 1871, 8vo. 4. ‘The Student's Ancient History,’ London, 1871, 8vo.
4. ‘The Student's Ecclesiastical History,’ London, 1878–1885, 8vo.

He also edited:

1. ‘The Posthumous Works of John Harris, D.D.,’ 1857, 8vo.
2. Schliemann's ‘Troy,’ 1875, 8vo.
3. Brugsch's ‘History of Egypt,’ 1879, 8vo; new edit. 1881.

[Information communicated by Dr. Samuel Newth of Acton; Athenæum, 1885, i. 664; Times, 13 May 1885; Smith's Works.]

E. C. M.