After graduating, he became a chemist at the Scottish paper making firm of Alexander Cowan & Company He met Charles Frederick Cross, and the pair then attended Owens College, Manchester.
He became a leader in the affairs of the Society of Public Analysts and editor of The Analyst. Bevan was notable for his caustic wit. Cross who was interested in cellulose technology went into partnership with Bevan in 1885, setting up as analytical and consulting chemists in New Court, Lincoln"s Inn in London.
In 1888 they published what was to become a standard work on paper making.
In 1894 Cross and Bevan took out a patent for the manufacture of cellulose acetate - this was to become the industrial process for its manufacture. He was awarded the John of The Franklin Institute in 1895.
