SMITH, ALBERT (1816-1860).—­Humorous writer, studied medicine, and for a short time assisted his f. in practice.  He was one of the original contributors to Punch, and among his books are The Adventures of Mr. Ledbury and The Scattergood Family.  He also lectured and gave entertainments, including The Ascent of Mont Blanc, which were highly popular.

SMITH, ALEXANDER (1830-1867).—­Poet and essayist, s. of a Paisley pattern-designer, at first followed the same occupation in Glasgow, but having become known as a poet of promise was, in 1854, appointed Sec. of Edin.  Univ.  After contributing to the Glasgow Citizen he pub. A Life Drama (1853), which received much admiration.  Thereafter appeared War Sonnets (in conjunction, with S. Dobell, q.v.), City Poems (1857), and Edwin of Deira (1861).  In prose he wrote Dreamthorpe (essays), A Summer in Skye, and two novels, Alfred Hagart’s Household and Miss Dona M’Quarrie.  His poems were in a rich and glowing style, but by some good judges were held to show fancy rather than imagination.  He belonged to what was called the “spasmodic” school of poetry.

SMITH, MRS. CHARLOTTE (TURNER) (1749-1806).—­Was m. at 15 to a West Indian merchant, who by a series of misfortunes and imprudences was reduced from affluence to poverty.  She had in her youth shown considerable promise as a poetess, and in her misfortunes she was able to maintain herself and her family by her pen.  In addition to a poem, Beachy Head, and sonnets, she wrote several novels of more than usual merit, including Emmeline (1788), and, her best work, The Old English Manor House.

SMITH, HORACE (1779-1849), SMITH, JAMES (1775-1839).—­Humorists, s. of a London lawyer who was solicitor to the Board of Ordnance.  James succeeded his f.; Horace became a successful stockbroker.  Both brothers were distinguished for brilliant wit and humour.  Their first great hit was Rejected Addresses (1812), extremely clever parodies on leading contemporary poets.  To this jeu d’esprit James contributed among others imitations of Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Crabbe, while Horace’s share included Scott and Moore.  James pub. little more, but anonymously gave Charles Matthews assistance in his entertainments.  Horace pub. several novels which, with perhaps the exception of Brambletye House, are now forgotten.  He also wrote The Address to a Mummy, a remarkable poem in which wit and true sentiment are admirably combined.  Both brothers were highly esteemed not only for their social qualities, but for their benevolence and goodness of heart.