Diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1897, Lucas moved to Egypt a year later where he made a complete recovery.[2] Serving as a chemist with the Egyptian civil service, he worked in Egypt for the rest of his career. After starting in the Salt Department,[1] he was employed in a series of chemical laboratory posts, including with the Geological Survey Department, which introduced him to Egypt's ancient monuments,[2] Chief Chemist of the Surveys Department[1] and then Director and Principal Chemist of the Government Analytical Laboratory.[2] In 1923 he planned to retire to pursue his interest in archaeology. He however accepted the position of Consulting Chemist to the Antiquities Service, and later of honorary consulting chemist, which he held until his death in 1945.[1][5]