Numa Edward Hartog

Who is Numa Edward Hartog?

Numa Edward Hartog was the brother of Marcus Hartog and Philip Hartog. Although he died young, he is notable for having been the first Jewish Senior Wrangler at Cambridge University, in 1869. He also won 2nd Smith's Prize in that year.

In his earlier academic career, he attended University College School in London, and then University College London. At Cambridge, he attended Trinity College.

He was a trailblazing figure in overcoming religious obstacles to academic achievement in the UK. For example, when his B.A. was awarded, the words In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti were omitted. However, he was unable to accept a fellowship due to being unable to subscribe to the required test on account of his religion.

Within weeks, Solicitor-General John Coleridge of the Gladstone government introduced legislation to rectify the situation. The House of Lords twice rejected bills passed by the House of Commons before finally accepting the Universities Tests Act of 1871; Hartog's testimony before the Lords helped secure its passage.

He was a member of the Council of Jews' College and an Honorary Secretary of the Society of Hebrew Literature.

He died of smallpox.