Background
Smith was born in Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, educated at the University of Aberdeen, where he graduated Master of Arts
Smith was born in Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, educated at the University of Aberdeen, where he graduated Master of Arts
And Doctor of Medicine Foreign five years he taught chemistry at Marischal College, and in 1852, when the University of Sydney was constituted, he was selected to be the first Professor of Chemistry and Experimental Physics, a position which he held for over thirty years. On 3 November 1874 Smith was nominated to the Legislative Council, and strongly advocated the adoption of a protectionist policy. In 1876 the University of Aberdeen conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, and in 1877 he was created Companion of St. Michael and St. George in recognition of his services in the cause of education.
He died on 12 October 1885.
Smith was elected trustee of the Australian Museum. Vice-president of the Young Men"s Christian Association and honorary treasurer of Sydney Infirmary and Dispensary from 1866 until 1867.
In 1853 he was appointed a member of the Board of National Education, and served till it was dissolved by the Public Schools Acting of 1866, when he became a member of the Council of Education constituted thereunder, and was for a number of years president In May 1883 the New South Wales Government appointed him a member of the Board of Technical Education, which was abolished in 1890.