Arthur was educated at St. Thomas's Hospital, taking the diplomas of M.R.C.S. and L.R.C.P. in 1876. He became the consulting surgeon to the Portsmouth Eye and Ear Infirmary, and held a commission in the R.A.M.C. T.F., with the in the 5th Southern (Portsmouth) General Hospital from 21st July 1908. He died after a long illness at Seaview, Isle of Wight.