Philippe Thomas

Philippe Thomas
Thomas in 1910 by Gaston Percheron
Born
Philippe Étienne Thomas

(1843-05-04)4 May 1843
Duerne, Rhône, France
Died12 February 1910(1910-02-12) (aged 66)
Occupation(s)Veterinarian and amateur geologist

Philippe Thomas (4 May 1843 – 12 February 1910) was a French veterinarian and amateur geologist who discovered large deposits of phosphates in Tunisia. Despite the huge economic importance of his discovery, he received little recognition during his life. Monuments to Thomas in Tunisia were destroyed after the country gained independence.