[1] He was educated at Christ's Hospital School and Balliol College, Oxford from 1874, where he graduated with first-class honours in classics (1878) and the Ireland, Craven and Derby scholarships.
He was one of the leaders in the movement for the establishment of the women's college, and as dean of the faculty of arts encouraged the teaching of modern literature, history and philosophy, and the inauguration of university extension lectures.
Scott carried out the duties of this chair for about 10 years, but resigned due to continued ill-health in August 1900.
He contributed several papers to classical journals in England, Australia and Canada, and devoted his later years to the preparation of an edition of the text of the Hermetica, subtitled The Ancient Greek and Latin Writings which contain Religious or Philosophic Teachings, ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus, with an English translation and notes.
His combination of profound and wide scholarship with idealism was a strong influence in university and teaching life.