Abstract
Physical scientists educated in the decade following World War II became acquainted with Charles Alfred Coulson (1910-1974) through his popular works on atomic and molecular structure. Educated at Cambridge University, his interests encompassed the areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry and molecular biology. His use of quantum methods to study molecular structure led to election as a fellow of the Royal Society in 1950. He held academic posts at St. Andrews, University College, King's College and Oxford. Raised in a Methodist home in a family that valued education he became a Christian during his college years.