ABSTRACT
During these years Phillips gained greater financial security by increasing his regular income three-fold. In 1831 the YPS raised his salary as its keeper from £60 to £100 pa. Next year he was appointed the first assistant secretary o f the British Association at £100 pa. Until 1834 he was on balance content to be a provincially based savant with a national role and international reputation. From his York base he made at last a couple o f continental tours in 1829 and 1830. The year 1831 was eventful. Phillips contributed to the final vindication o f his uncle who was canonised from the presidential chair o f the Geological Society as the father o f English geology. In spring he considered but eventually rejected the chair o f geology at University College London. In autumn he was a key figure at the first meeting o f the British Association for the Advancement o f Science held in York. Late in 1833 he applied for the chair o f mineralogy and geology at the Royal Dublin Society but then withdrew. In this chapter I shall first consider his activities in York and then discuss the episodes alluded to above. I shall argue overall that Phillips’ situation at York, which appeared solitary and limited when viewed from London, gave him sufficient opportunities to develop his career and pursue his research so that for the time being he repressed his metropolitan ambitions.
