 He then moved with his brother Cooke to the Isle of Man for a time as debt exiles.In 1685 he was also a founder member and treasurer of the Dublin Philosophical Society, where he presented many papers and experiments, concentrating on applied mathematics.Tollet held various government posts, mainly in Ireland, before being appointed Extra Commissioner of the Navy in 1702, a sinecure post which however offered an opportunity to move into the Tower of London until 1714.