Smith was born in Perth, Scotland, and educated at the Perth Academy and Owen's College, Manchester, graduating BSc with honours in chemistry from London University, later with a science degree from Victoria University, England.
He was employed as a researcher at a galvanising works in Edinburgh and as assistant to his uncle, Dr Angus Smith, FRS., in Manchester.
[1] After contracting some kind chronic illness his doctors recommended a long sea voyage, so settled on Melbourne, Victoria, where he made acquaintance of George Foord FCS.,[a] who gave him free run of his well-equipped private laboratory.
He worked for some time at the Royal Mint, Melbourne, then was appointed head of staff of the School of Mines, Bendigo.
Next he was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Superintendent of Laboratories at the School of Mines, Ballarat,[1] a position he retained for 40 years.