Charles C. Fulton (1900–1992), Microcrystal Test Pioneer

Abstract

Abstract Charles C. Fulton was a pioneer in the development of non-aqueous media for microcrystal tests for drugs. His career commenced in the “Untouchable” era of Prohibition and his record of publications began when forensic science literature as such was non-existent. His efforts in drug identification lead him to develop many new reagent media, keep pace with the rapidly expanding number of drugs in the post-war era, and contribute his science to combatting international drug trade by identifying opium sources for the newly created United Nations Secretariat. He authored Modern Microcrystal Tests for Drugs, a text still used in many forensic science laboratories, in 1969, before retiring to pursue eclectic interests including publishing on archeoastronomy, particularly of the Maya.