Richard Porson (1759-1808) was an eminent classicist whose valuable contributions to classical scholarship were often characterised by his precise emendations and thorough understanding of Greek metre (the rhythmic structure of a verse). A critical edition
Richard Porson (1759-1808) was an eminent classicist whose valuable contributions to classical scholarship were often characterised by his precise emendations and thorough understanding of Greek metre (the rhythmic structure of a verse). A critical edition of Euripides’ four plays (Hecuba, Orestes, Phoenissae and Medea) was one of Porson’s most famous publications.
The budding classicist first set foot in Eton as a King’s Scholar in 1774. Only boys from the home counties (those surrounding London) tended to be King’s Scholars at that time, in part due to travel expenses. Porson, however, was from Norfolk. Fuelled by encouragement from Reverend Thomas Hewitt, his private tutor at the time, and John Norris, a professor at Cambridge, as well as by an £80 yearly settlement from the latter, Porson made his way to Eton. Clearly, his intellectual abilities had made quite the impression.
Porson had a natural affinity for accuracy and precision, a trait which was apparent throughout his time at Eton and which must have contributed towards his aptitude for classical studies. His faultless memory is an excellent example of this characteristic. Porson was once requested by his master to translate a passage of Horace and, following a mix up of books, he 