Smith M.D., Charles (1715-1762)

Said to have been a native of Dungarvan where he had an apothecary (chemist's) shop. He took his medical degree in Trinity College in 1738. He was a pioneer of Irish Topography having written histories of counties Waterford 1746, Cork 1750, and Kerry in 1756. He was thought to have been the author of a History of Co. Down 1744 which was the first Irish county history. His county histories were quite good for their time and were attractively illustrated with engraved views and maps. His history of Co. Waterford was an important work. It contains important engraved panoramas of Dungarvan, Waterford and Lismore. In 1756, along with several eminent physicians, he founded the Medical-Philosophical Society in Dublin. According to the Dictionary of Irish Biography, he died in Bristol in 1762.

Author: William Fraher