Aquilla Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Smith, Aquilla
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| Born | 28 April 1806 Nenagh, County Tipperary
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| Died | 23 March 1890 (aged 83) |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland |
Aquilla Smith (born April 28, 1806 – died March 23, 1890) was a very respected doctor. He was also an expert in numismatics (the study of coins) and archaeology (the study of old things). For nearly 40 years, he represented the Irish College of Physicians on the General Medical Council. He was a top expert on Irish coins.
About Aquilla Smith's Life
Aquilla Smith was born in Nenagh, a town in County Tipperary, Ireland. In 1831, he married Esther Faucett. They had a large family with thirteen children. One of their children was Vincent Arthur Smith, who also became famous.
His Medical Career
Aquilla Smith studied in Dublin. In 1823, he started at Trinity College Dublin. He then studied at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Because of some health issues, he decided to focus on medicine.
In 1833, he received his license from the King and Queen's College of Physicians in Ireland. He also earned an honorary medical degree in 1839. Smith helped edit the Dublin Pharmacopaeia, a book about medicines. From 1864 to 1881, he was a professor of medicine and pharmacy. He also worked as a doctor at Sir Patrick Dun's Hospital. From 1851 to 1890, he represented the Irish College of Physicians on the General Medical Council. This council helps guide medical practice.
His Work with Coins and Old Things
Aquilla Smith became interested in numismatics (the study of coins) early on. His friend Richard Sainthill encouraged him. Smith drew nearly 500 pictures for Sainthill's book, An Olla podrida.
In the early 1800s, many old items were found in Ireland. This happened because of new canals and digging for peat. Smith, along with other experts like John Lindsay and J. H. Todd, wanted to study these finds carefully. They changed how people looked at old items. Instead of just collecting them, they started using a more scientific approach, like modern archaeologists.
Smith built one of the best collections of Irish coins and tokens. Later, he sold this amazing collection to the Royal Irish Academy.
In 1835, Smith became a member of the Royal Irish Academy. He joined its Council in 1838. He also became a member of the Committee of Antiquities. For over 30 years, he was an honorary member of the Royal Numismatic Society. In 1884, he received the society's medal. He was only the second person to get this special award.
