John Arthur Phillips facts for kids

John Arthur Phillips (born February 18, 1822 – died January 5, 1887) was a clever British scientist. He was an expert in geology (the study of rocks), metallurgy (the study of metals), and mining engineering (designing mines). He was also a FRS and a FCS, which are special honors for scientists.

Meet John Arthur Phillips

John Arthur Phillips was a very important scientist in the 1800s. He helped us understand more about how rocks and metals are formed. He also improved how we get metals from the ground.

Early Life and Learning

John Arthur Phillips was born in a place called Polgooth, near St Austell in Cornwall, England. His father, John Phillips, worked with minerals.

He went to a private school and then started learning to be a surveyor. But soon, he became very interested in how metals work, especially with electricity. He even worked with other scientists, Robert Were Fox the Younger and Robert Hunt, on experiments. They explored how electricity could help create metallic copper.

In 1844, John Arthur Phillips went to a famous school in Paris, France, called the École des Mines de Paris. He finished his studies there in 1846.

His Amazing Work

After finishing school, John Arthur Phillips worked at a coal mine in France for about two years. Then, in 1848, he came back to England. He worked for the government, studying coal for the navy. He also managed some chemical factories.

Later, he started his own business in London. He became a mining engineer and an expert on metals, helping companies with their projects. He also taught about metals at the College for Civil Engineers in Putney from 1848 to 1850. He even gave lectures at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich later in his life.

Exploring Rocks and Metals

In 1853, Phillips traveled to California in the United States. He went back two more times in 1865 and 1866. During these trips, he carefully studied how hot springs are connected to places where mineral veins are found. He wrote an important paper about his discoveries for the Geological Society of London.

He lived in London until 1868, but he often traveled for his work. He visited many places in Europe and North Africa. In 1868, he moved to Liverpool to build and manage a company called the Widnes Metal Company. This company was very successful! Because of its success, he was able to move back to London in 1877 and later retire from work.

Inventions and Discoveries

John Arthur Phillips was also an inventor. He created new ways to make and clean metals. He was one of the first scientists to use a special tool called a polarizing microscope. This microscope helped him study the tiny structures of rocks and minerals in great detail.

Joining Science Clubs

John Arthur Phillips was a respected member of many important scientific groups. He became a fellow of the Geological Society in 1872 and was a vice-president when he died. In 1881, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very high honor for a scientist. He was also a fellow of the Chemical Society and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Everyone who knew him valued his vast and accurate knowledge. He was always ready to help his friends and colleagues. His good judgment and honest character made him a truly respected member of these societies.