ABSTRACT
Even while Phillips was working for the Geological Survey and professing in Dublin, he and his sister retained St M ary’s Lodge in York which they regarded as their home. From 1841 to 1849 Phillips spent several months a year away from home and far from London, which limited his local commitments and his involvement in metropolitan affairs. From summer 1849 to spring 1850 he was busy as a civil scientist reporting to government about the ventilation o f coal mines. From spring 1850 Phillips spent much time in York, his chief institutional responsibility continuing to be assistant secretary to the British Association. In these years Phillips’ emolument fluctuated, sometimes wildly. From 1841 to 1849 he usually received £600 pa (£300 Survey, £300 BAAS). When he lost his Survey income from October 1844 to March 1845, there was compensation from his £200 pa as professor in Dublin. In 1850 he enjoyed the highest income o f his life to date: he received £750 as a government investigator and reporter and his usual £300 pa from the Association. From 1851 his only source o f regular income was his salary from the BAAS.
