John Arthur Phillips FRS, FCS (18 February 1822 – 5 January 1887) was a British geologist, metallurgist, and mining engineer.
Here, after serving as chemist to a government commission on the question of coal for the navy, and as manager to some chemical works, he started on his own account as a mining engineer and consulting metallurgist in London.
During these two visits he made a number of observations on the connection between hot springs and mineral vein deposits, which were embodied in an important paper, published by the Geological Society of London.
[3] He continued to reside in London till 1868, but made frequent professional journeys to various parts of Europe and to North Africa, besides those already named.
[1] Phillips took out patents for improvements in metal production and refining,[2] and was one of the first scientists to use the polarizing microscope to study rock and mineral structures.