Born in London, Russell received his education at Epsom Grammar School before going to University College Hull (now the University of Hull). After receiving his BSc he became assistant lecturer in chemistry at the Kingston Technical College (1950–1959) and then lecturer, senior lecturer and principal lecturer in organic chemistry at Harris College, Preston (now the University of Central Lancashire).[1]
Whilst teaching he also undertook further study. He received his MSc (1958) and PhD (1962) in the history and philosophy of science from the University of London. In 1978 he also received a DSc.[1]
In 1970 Russell founded the Department for the History of Science and Technology at the Open University. Russell remained at the Open University for the rest of his academic career.[1]
'Chemical techniques in a pre-electronic age: the remarkable apparatus of Edward Frankland' in Instruments and Experimentation in the History of Chemistry, ed. F.L. Holmes and T.H. Levere (Boston: MIT Press, 2000), pp. 311–334.
'Conflict of science and religion' and 'Views of nature' in History of Science and Religion: An Encyclopedia, ed. G. Ferngren (New York: Garland, 2000), pp. 12–16 and 38-44.
'Chemistry in society' in The New Chemistry, ed. Nina Hall (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), pp. 465–484.
'Where science and history meet: some fresh challenges to the Christian faith?', Faith & Thought Bulletin, vol. 29 (2001), pp. 7–20
Chemistry, society and environment: a new history of the British Chemical Industry, (ed. and senior author), (Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2000).
^ abcdef"Colin A. Russell (1928–"(PDF). Dexter Award for Outstanding Achievement in the History of Chemistry: Biographies. School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
