NAME Charles Robert Darwin
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Developing the theory of evolution by natural selection.
BIRTH Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, coincidentally the same day as Abraham Lincoln.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Born into a wealthy and influential family. His father, Robert Darwin, was a successful doctor known for his stern demeanor, while his mother, Susannah Wedgwood, was the daughter of renowned potter Josiah Wedgwood. Tragically, Susannah passed away when Darwin was just eight years old, leaving his three elder sisters to raise him.
Darwin's paternal grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, was a naturalist, poet, and philosopher who proposed his own theory of evolution, which Charles later distanced himself from
CHILDHOOD From an early age, Darwin displayed a keen interest in natural history and geology. He spent countless hours collecting various specimens, including coins, birds' eggs, plants, pebbles, and beetles. However, his academic pursuits at school suffered as he increasingly devoted his time to outdoor activities like shooting, dog training, and rat-catching. This lack of focus greatly displeased his father, who famously lamented, "You care for nothing but shooting, dogs, and rat-catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family." Furthermore, his three elder sisters were frequent critics of his perceived lack of ambition and academic dedication.
As a child, Darwin was so passionate about chemistry that friends nicknamed him "Gas."
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| Chalk drawing of seven-year-old Charles Darwin in 1816. |
EDUCATION Darwin attended Shrewsbury School, but his academic performance suffered due to his fascination with shooting, dogs, and rat-catching. His father once lamented, “You care for nothing but shooting, dogs, and rat-catching and will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.”
In 1825, Darwin began studying medicine at Edinburgh University but found the sight of human suffering unbearable. Two years later, he shifted to the University of Cambridge to prepare for a career as a Church of England clergyman. At Cambridge, he indulged in beetle-collecting, riding, and shooting while co-founding the "Glutton Club," where members dined on exotic animals like puma.
Under the mentorship of geologist Adam Sedgwick and botanist John Stevens Henslow, Darwin developed meticulous observational and collection skills. He eventually graduated in 1831, excelling in theology and passing in other subjects.
CAREER RECORD 1831-1836: Served as naturalist on the HMS Beagle voyage around the world.
1859: Published On the Origin of Species, which revolutionized scientific understanding of life.
Continued research and writing: Published numerous other works, including The Descent of Man, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, and The Power of Movement in Plants.
APPEARANCE Darwin stood at a towering six feet tall. Though he sported a less distinguished appearance during his school days, he later became known for his signature big, bushy white beard.
His distinctive nose almost prevented him from securing a position as naturalist on the HMS Beagle. Captain Robert FitzRoy harbored concerns that someone with such a broad, squat nose lacked the fortitude and determination to endure the rigors of a long voyage of exploration.
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| Darwin, c. 1854, |
FASHION Dressed conservatively for his time.
CHARACTER Darwin was a gentle soul, possessing a kindness that extended even to the most insignificant creatures. He was also a remarkably modest and kind individual.
He was a patient and meticulous observer with a highly analytical mind.
Darwin was admired by the crew of the Beagle for his intellect and amiable nature, and they affectionately nicknamed him "Philos."
Darwin struggled with social anxiety, often finding himself uncomfortable in large gatherings. He was also known to stutter, which occasionally hindered his communication.
SENSE OF HUMOUR While Darwin's scientific work was serious, he occasionally injected humor into his observations. For example, he once quipped, "An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus was wiser than many men".
Darwin's scientific curiosity extended to the phenomenon of humor itself. In The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), he explored the biological aspects of emotional behavior, including laughter. He drew connections between human laughter and the reactions of apes to tickling, noting similarities in facial expressions and vocalizations
RELATIONSHIPS Charles Darwin married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, at Maer Church in Staffordshire on January 29, 1839.
In his late 20s, Darwin experienced a period of intense introspection. He meticulously weighed the pros and cons of marriage, even creating a list with columns titled "Marry" and "Not Marry." Ultimately, he decided to pursue a life with Emma.
Their courtship, however, was not without its challenges. Despite his father's reservations, Darwin delayed proposing to Emma during his initial visit to Maer in July 1838. He did, however, share his groundbreaking ideas on transmutation with her.
Following a period of intense work and recurring bouts of illness in London, Darwin returned to Maer and finally proposed to Emma on November 11th. He once again discussed his revolutionary theories, which understandably caused Emma some concern.
In an attempt to alleviate her anxieties, Emma urged him to read from the Gospel of St. John, specifically "our Saviour's farewell discourse to his disciples," a passage that emphasizes the importance of abiding in faith. Darwin's warm and reassuring response soothed Emma's concerns, though a degree of apprehension regarding his radical ideas remained.
The couple finally wed in an Anglican ceremony at Maer that was also adapted to accommodate Emma's Unitarian beliefs.
Emma's family resided in the nearby Jacobean Maer Hall. The couple enjoyed a long and fulfilling marriage, though Emma did not share her husband's fervent interest in his scientific pursuits. Despite this, she remained supportive of his work, even if she found his experiments somewhat perplexing.
The Darwins were blessed with ten children, sadly losing three in infancy. Charles, ever the scientist, occasionally enlisted his children in his research endeavors.
Their sons achieved notable success in their respective fields: George became a renowned Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge, Francis pursued a career in botany, and Leonard distinguished himself as a Royal Engineer, a prominent figure in scientific expeditions, and even served as a Member of Parliament.
The couple also had two daughters, but the tragic loss of their daughter Annie at the age of ten deeply affected both Charles and Emma. This personal tragedy profoundly challenged Darwin's long-held belief in a benevolent God.
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| Emma Darwin in 1840 |
Darwin maintained close relationships with fellow scientists.
MONEY AND FAME Born into wealth, but his scientific work did not significantly increase his personal fortune.
Darwin's early career was a mix of triumphs and setbacks. Upon his return from the Beagle voyage in 1836, he was initially lauded in London for his groundbreaking geological discoveries. However, his initial account of the voyage garnered little public attention. This changed with the 1839 publication of his Journal of Researches (later known as The Voyage of the Beagle), which achieved significant commercial success.
Darwin's comfortable financial standing, derived from an inheritance of £5,000 per annum, allowed him to dedicate his life to his scientific pursuits without financial constraints. In 1842, he relocated to Down House in Downe, Kent, where he would spend the remainder of his life immersed in his research.
The publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859 catapulted Darwin into international stardom. The first edition sold out completely on the very first day, a testament to the book's immediate impact. During Darwin's lifetime, the book enjoyed immense popularity, with 35 printings in 11 languages. Today, its influence remains undeniable, with over 400 printings in approximately 30 languages. The enduring value of his work is further evidenced by the fact that a single leaf from Origin of Species fetched a staggering £45,000 at auction in 1999.
The enduring fascination with Darwin's work continues to this day, reflected in the substantial value of his publications and personal effects. In 2024, a rare first edition and author's presentation copy of On the Origin of Species sold for a remarkable £305,200 at auction, more than double its estimated value.
FOOD AND DRINK Charles Darwin's culinary habits were as diverse and intriguing as his scientific pursuits. He ventured beyond the ordinary, sampling a wide array of exotic dishes throughout his life.
During his time at Christ's College, Cambridge, Darwin's adventurous spirit manifested in his presidency of the "Glutton Club," a society dedicated to the culinary exploration of the unusual. This early foray into the realm of gastronomic experimentation foreshadowed his later culinary adventures.
Darwin's travels, particularly the voyage of the HMS Beagle, exposed him to a plethora of exotic flavors. He sampled armadillo, which he likened to duck, and savored iguana. He even declared a twenty-pound rodent to be "the best meat [he] ever tasted." Giant Galapagos tortoises also graced his palate, deemed "extremely delicious" by the intrepid explorer.
However, Darwin's scientific curiosity occasionally clashed with his culinary indulgences. On one memorable Christmas Day, he realized mid-meal that he was devouring a rare species of rhea, a bird he could have been studying instead of consuming.
Despite his penchant for the exotic, Darwin's daily routine in later life revolved around more conventional meals. He typically began his day with a solitary breakfast at 7:45 AM, followed by a substantial family lunch at 12:45 PM, which served as his main meal. A light high tea at 7:30 PM concluded his daily culinary routine.
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| Charles Darwin family lunch |
Darwin's relationship with alcohol was complex. While he had a deep-seated "horror" of drunkenness, likely influenced by family history of alcoholism, he also enjoyed moderate alcohol consumption. He was, however, acutely aware of his susceptibility to even small amounts of alcohol, which he feared could overstimulate him.
Tobacco, particularly snuff, was a constant companion throughout Darwin's life. He began using snuff during his time at Edinburgh University and continued the habit throughout his life, despite occasional attempts at abstinence, such as during a hydropathy treatment in 1857. While snuff remained his preferred form of tobacco, he occasionally indulged in other forms as well.
MUSIC AND ARTS Following the initial lukewarm reception of his Beagle voyage account, Darwin experienced a notable decline in his appreciation for poetry and music. Despite this, he developed an intriguing theory, proposing that music evolved from animal mating calls and predated the development of human speech.
In his seminal work, The Descent of Man (1871), Darwin eloquently observed, "Human song is generally admitted to be the basis or origin of instrumental music. As neither the enjoyment nor the capacity of producing musical notes are faculties of the least use to man in reference to his daily habits of life, they must be ranked among the most mysterious with which he is endowed."
While his personal engagement with music may have diminished, he undoubtedly found solace in listening to his wife, Emma, play the piano compositions of renowned composer Felix Mendelssohn.
Despite lacking formal artistic training, Charles Darwin demonstrated a lifelong fascination with both art and photography, seamlessly integrating these interests into his scientific pursuits.
Darwin's appreciation for art blossomed during his time at Cambridge. He frequented art museums, delved into art history texts, and amassed a collection of artworks, particularly those with scientific relevance. He actively sought the expertise of renowned animal painters and sculptors, such as Thomas Woolner and Briton Riviere, to further his research on animal expressions.
Darwin enthusiastically embraced the emerging art of photography. He was an early adopter of the medium, sitting for a daguerreotype portrait as early as 1842. He actively collected photographs relevant to his research, scouring London's photographic studios for suitable images. Furthermore, he commissioned photographs specifically for his scientific work, most notably from the renowned photographer Oscar Rejlander for his seminal work, The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Darwin maintained an extensive correspondence with prominent figures in the photographic world, including Julia Margaret Cameron and Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), exchanging ideas and insights.
Darwin's innovative use of photography in his research was groundbreaking. The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872) stands as one of the first scientific texts to extensively utilize photographic illustrations. He pushed the boundaries of photographic technology, requesting images that captured the subtle nuances of isolated muscle contractions during various emotional expressions. Darwin's collaboration with photographers like Rejlander went beyond mere image acquisition, extending to fruitful discussions on the scientific value and interpretation of photographic evidence.
Darwin's interest in photography extended beyond the realm of science. He enthusiastically participated in "carte correspondence," exchanging photographic portraits with colleagues and correspondents worldwide. He sat for numerous photographic portraits throughout his life, including memorable sessions with the renowned Julia Margaret Cameron, leaving behind a rich visual record of his life and legacy.
LITERATURE A voracious reader, Darwin consumed a vast array of nature books and scientific texts. He maintained meticulous notes and journals throughout his life, particularly during his transformative voyage on the HMS Beagle.
Charles Darwin was a prolific writer, penned over 16 books and 152 other publications throughout his illustrious career. While renowned for his groundbreaking scientific contributions, he surprisingly confessed in his autobiography to finding Shakespeare "intolerably dull" to the point of causing him nausea.
His most celebrated work, On the Origin of Species, published on November 22, 1859, revolutionized scientific thought. Written in accessible language, it quickly gained international acclaim, translated into numerous languages worldwide. This landmark publication, born from years of meticulous research and contemplation, had languished in a broom cupboard for two decades before Darwin was spurred to publish upon learning that Alfred Russel Wallace, a young naturalist working in Malaysia, had independently conceived a similar theory of evolution.
Darwin, a meticulous wordsmith, agonized over his prose, constantly refining and revising his work. The result is considered one of the most lucid and impactful scientific treatises ever written. The book achieved immediate success, selling out on the first day of publication and undergoing five further editions during Darwin's lifetime.
On the Origin of Species ignited a fierce debate within Victorian society, provoking outrage and controversy.
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| Title page of the first edition of On the Origin of Species |
In 1871, Darwin published The Descent of Man, which further ignited controversy by asserting the evolutionary kinship between humans and apes. This assertion drew sharp criticism from religious leaders, most notably Bishop Wilberforce, who famously challenged a Darwinist to declare whether his ancestry traced back to an ape through his grandfather or grandmother.
t's important to note that Darwin never coined the term "survival of the fittest." This phrase was first introduced by the philosopher Herbert Spencer in his work Principles of Biology.
NATURE A gifted botanist, Darwin utilized his own gardens at Down House as a living laboratory.
At one point, his home housed over 10,000 barnacles, a testament to his dedication to understanding their intricate biology.
Beyond barnacles, Darwin's scientific curiosity extended to the avian world. He conducted extensive experiments on pigeon breeding, exploring the principles of inheritance and variation within this species.
In the latter part of his life, Darwin authored five botanical books, showcasing a wide range of observational and experimental work. His research encompassed diverse topics, including the crucial role of insects in cross-fertilization, the remarkable adaptations of climbing plants like ivy, the intriguing behavior of sensitive plants that respond to touch and sometimes even capture insects (such as the Venus flytrap), and the vital role of earthworms in soil formation and nutrient cycling.
A thought-provoking question often posed to Darwin, particularly in light of his theory of natural selection, concerns the Frigate bird. This remarkable seabird possesses unique challenges: its feathers are not waterproof, rendering it incapable of swimming or diving for food. Its feet are ill-suited for paddling, and its large wings hinder efficient take-off from the water's surface. Consequently, the Frigate bird has evolved a rather unconventional survival strategy, relying on aerial piracy to steal food from other birds. This intriguing adaptation raises the question of whether the Frigate bird represents a species that has somehow "escaped" the rigorous process of natural selection, a question that continues to intrigue scientists and naturalists alike.
Darwin's contributions extended far beyond his theory of evolution. In 1842, he published The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs, offering the first accurate explanation of their formation.
PETS Charles Darwin was a great animal lover and had numerous pets throughout his life, particularly dogs.
His canine family included a diverse array of breeds, from energetic terriers like Nina, Spark, Pincher, Sheila, and Polly, to a loyal retriever named Bob, and a charming Pomeranian named Snow. Hunting dogs such as Dash and Bran also graced his life. Among his canine companions, Polly, a terrier, held a particularly special place in his affections. In a heartfelt note, Darwin expressed his deep love for his canine companion, writing, "I have one whom I love with all my heart."
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| Charles Darwin with his pet dogs |
Darwin's affection extended beyond dogs. He displayed a keen interest in a wide range of animals, even keeping live octopuses on board the HMS Beagle during his voyage, meticulously observing their fascinating behavior. His family also cared for rabbits as part of his cousin Francis Galton's scientific experiments.
Darwin's relationship with his pets transcended mere companionship. He viewed them as subjects of scientific inquiry, carefully studying variations within breeds and observing their mental and emotional capacities, which he believed to be surprisingly sophisticated and akin to those of humans. His experiences with hunting dogs, particularly their remarkable instincts and adaptability, undoubtedly influenced his broader understanding of evolution and natural selection.
Beyond his personal menagerie, Darwin demonstrated a deep concern for animal welfare. He actively participated in campaigns to regulate animal experimentation, advocating for the humane treatment of animals while recognizing the vital importance of scientific research.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Charles Darwin possessed a diverse range of interests and hobbies that enriched his life and significantly contributed to his groundbreaking scientific endeavors.
From a young age, Darwin displayed a keen interest in the natural world. He was an avid collector, amassing a trove of minerals, insects, shells, and other natural specimens. During his time at Christ's College, Cambridge, his passion for beetle collecting flourished. This early fascination with the natural world remained a lifelong pursuit, forming the bedrock of his scientific investigations.
Darwin was an outdoorsman at heart. He relished long walks and explorations in nature, indulging in activities such as hunting and birdwatching. Horseback riding provided another avenue for his enjoyment of the natural world.
His intellectual curiosity extended beyond nature. Darwin possessed a keen interest in geology, biology, and botany. Alongside his brother Erasmus, he conducted chemical experiments in a shed behind their family home, fostering a spirit of scientific inquiry.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Darwin enjoyed recreational activities such as playing backgammon. He also dedicated significant time to his breeding experiments with pigeons, meticulously observing variations within the species and gaining valuable insights into the principles of inheritance.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Darwin's pivotal voyage on the HMS Beagle provided the foundation for his groundbreaking theory of evolution. During his 1835 visit to the Galapagos Islands, he observed striking variations in animal and plant life, including the iconic giant tortoises. These observations shattered the prevailing notion of fixed species, revealing that species were not static entities but rather subject to change and adaptation.
Darwin's revolutionary ideas began to take shape. He meticulously documented his findings, recognizing that the diverse flora and fauna of the Galapagos Islands were not merely replicas of species found elsewhere, but rather unique adaptations to their specific island environments. This realization profoundly challenged the prevailing belief in creationism, suggesting that species were not created instantaneously by a divine act but rather evolved over time through a process of gradual change.
In 1844, Darwin formulated a comprehensive outline of his theory of evolution, but chose to delay publication, dedicating the following eight years to the meticulous study of barnacles. This period of intense research provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of biological variation and classification.
However, Darwin's carefully guarded secret was on the verge of being revealed. He received an essay from Alfred Russel Wallace, a fellow naturalist working in the Malay Archipelago, outlining a remarkably similar theory of evolution. Faced with this unexpected development, Darwin was spurred into action. He reluctantly agreed to present his own findings alongside Wallace's at a joint meeting of the Linnean Society in 1858.
Darwin's seminal work, On the Origin of Species, was published in 1859, causing a seismic shift in scientific thought. His theory of evolution by natural selection proposed that species evolve through a gradual process of change, driven by the survival and reproduction of individuals with traits best suited to their environment. This "survival of the fittest" mechanism, as later termed by Herbert Spencer, led to the gradual refinement and diversification of species over countless generations. Darwin's proposition, while groundbreaking, inevitably sparked intense controversy and debate.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Charles Darwin was raised in a Unitarian household, attending church in Shrewsbury High Street. His father, a prominent physician, envisioned a career in the clergy for his son. In 1828, Darwin was sent to Christ Church, Oxford, to study for holy orders within the Church of England. However, he found little inclination towards the ministry.
Darwin's religious beliefs underwent a significant transformation. The Old Testament's depiction of God as a tyrannical figure profoundly troubled him, leading to a gradual erosion of his faith. While his theory of evolution did not explicitly deny the existence of a higher power, it proposed that natural laws, rather than divine intervention, govern the processes of life. He saw no inherent moral or religious purpose in evolution, viewing it as a natural phenomenon without a predetermined goal.
In his autobiography, Darwin candidly acknowledged his loss of faith in Christianity as a divine revelation. He vehemently rejected the doctrine of hell, labeling it "damnable." He also questioned the divinity of Christ, ultimately identifying himself as an agnostic, stating, "The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I must be content to remain an agnostic."
Emma Wedgwood, Darwin's deeply religious wife, was deeply troubled by her husband's evolving theological views. In later years, Darwin expressed regret for the distress his ideas had caused her. He also voiced concerns about the misappropriation of his theory by figures like Karl Marx, who used it to deny the existence of God.
POLITICS Charles Darwin's political views were firmly rooted in 19th-century British liberalism, a philosophy that emphasized both individual liberty and social responsibility.
A staunch supporter of the Liberal Party, Darwin was honored by a visit from its prominent leader, William Gladstone, in 1877. He deeply admired the values of self-help, as championed by Samuel Smiles in his influential book, believing that individual effort and voluntary cooperation were crucial for personal and societal progress.
Darwin was a vocal opponent of slavery, actively participating in the international movement to abolish this inhumane practice. His abhorrence of slavery played a significant role in his writing of The Descent of Man, where he affirmed the fundamental unity of humankind as a single species.
While recognizing the need for social welfare, Darwin favored a voluntary approach over government intervention. He served as treasurer of his local Friendly Society, a self-governing organization where members pooled their resources to support each other during times of hardship. This exemplified his belief in the power of community and voluntary cooperation.
Darwin was optimistic about the potential for human progress, but he viewed this progress as primarily driven by cultural evolution and social learning rather than solely by biological factors. He believed that through education, cooperation, and the cultivation of moral virtues, humanity could achieve a higher level of social and intellectual development.
SCANDAL Charles Darwin's life and work were not without controversy.
The "Barré-Lebiez Affair" of 1878, a shocking murder case in France, inadvertently dragged Darwin into the public spotlight. Two men, Aimé Barré and Paul Lebiez, were convicted of murdering an elderly milkmaid for financial gain. Lebiez, a self-proclaimed follower of Darwinian principles, claimed his actions were in accordance with the concept of "survival of the fittest." This sensationalized claim ignited a public outcry against Darwin and his theory of evolution. Some newspapers seized the opportunity to attack Darwin's ideas, portraying them as a dangerous philosophy that promoted amorality and encouraged violence.
Another notable controversy arose in 1874 with the publication of an anonymous article in the Quarterly Review that harshly criticized Darwin's views. The article, which suggested that Darwin's son George opposed marriage and advocated for "unrestrained licentiousness," was widely suspected to be authored by St. George Jackson Mivart, a former supporter who had become a vocal critic of Darwin's work. This personal attack sparked a heated dispute, involving Darwin's friends and colleagues within the scientific community. The controversy simmered for a year before finally subsiding.
While not personal scandals, Darwin's scientific theories generated significant controversy within both the scientific and religious communities. His ideas directly challenged the traditional religious doctrine of creation, leading to widespread rejection from religious leaders and some within the scientific establishment.
Darwin, a man of reserved temperament, generally avoided public debates, preferring to address criticisms through private correspondence. In later editions of On the Origin of Species, he made certain concessions to appease his critics, such as acknowledging the potential role of a Creator in the initial spark of life.
MILITARY RECORD Ever since Darwin, the idea of survival of the fittest has been misused to justify genocide, poverty and suffering.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Darwin suffered from chronic illnesses, including nausea, migraines, and agoraphobia, possibly due to a disease contracted in South America. Despite his health struggles, he remained productive, aided by the tranquility of Down House and its daily walking path where he solved “three-flint problems.”
HOMES Darwin spent his early years at Mount House, a Georgian residence overlooking the River Severn. This family estate, originally spanning seven acres, provided the young Darwin with his first glimpses of the natural world. He left Shrewsbury at the age of 22 to embark on the historic voyage of the HMS Beagle. While little remains of Darwin's personal effects in the house today, recent efforts have seen its acquisition with the intention of transforming it into a museum and café, preserving this important chapter in the life of a scientific icon.
From 1842 until his death in 1882, Down House served as Darwin's home and intellectual sanctuary. Situated in the tranquil village of Downe, about 15 miles southeast of London, Darwin described it as being "on the extreme verge of the world," providing a peaceful setting for his scientific pursuits. The house itself underwent several expansions and modifications over the years to accommodate his growing family and accommodate his expanding research needs.
Down House is renowned for its association with Darwin's groundbreaking work. His study, where he penned the revolutionary On the Origin of Species, remains a focal point of the house. The extensive gardens surrounding Down House served as an open-air laboratory for Darwin's experiments, while the famous "Sandwalk" – a circular path through the grounds – became his daily meditative walk, fostering countless insights.
Greenhouses provided a haven for his botanical research, and a later addition, a billiard room, was transformed into his "New Study," offering a dedicated space for further contemplation and writing.
Today, Down House stands as a testament to Darwin's life and legacy. Since 1996, it has been preserved as a museum by English Heritage, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life and work of this extraordinary scientist. The house retains many of its original furnishings and personal possessions, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere in which Darwin lived and worked. Multimedia tours and exhibits further enrich the visitor experience, bringing Darwin's life and scientific discoveries to life.
TRAVEL Darwin's pivotal journey began in December 1831 when he joined the HMS Beagle as a naturalist. The ship, a 242-ton, Cherokee-class vessel, undertook a five-year expedition. Despite his father's opposition and the captain’s reservations about his broad nose, Darwin paid his own way (£500 annually). He was nicknamed “Philos” by the crew for his amiable nature.
During the voyage, Darwin explored South America, rode with Argentine gauchos, scaled the Andes, and studied the Galápagos Islands. His observations of unique species on these islands planted the seeds of his evolutionary theory.
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| HMS Beagle surveying the coasts of South America, |
DEATH Charles Darwin passed away peacefully on April 19, 1882, at the age of 73, in his home, Down House, surrounded by his beloved wife Emma and their children. The cause of death was likely heart failure resulting from coronary thrombosis.
In his final moments, Darwin expressed his love and gratitude to his family. He poignantly told his wife, "Remember what a good wife you have been to me—Tell all my children to remember how good they have been to me."
Initially, Darwin had expressed a desire to be buried in the quiet churchyard of St. Mary's in Downe, alongside his children. However, recognizing his profound impact on science, a movement emerged to honor him with a more prominent burial site: Westminster Abbey, a revered national monument.
This decision, however, was not without controversy. As a prominent freethinker and agnostic, Darwin's burial in a hallowed religious institution raised concerns. The Dean of Westminster, George Bradley, initially approved the request while abroad, potentially unaware of Darwin's religious views.
Despite the controversy, Darwin's funeral on April 26, 1882, became a significant national event. His body was transported to the Abbey the evening before and laid in the Chapel of St. Faith. The funeral was a grand affair, attended by thousands of mourners, requiring admission tickets for entry. Notable figures, including Alfred Russel Wallace, Thomas Henry Huxley, and Joseph Hooker, served as pallbearers. The service, conducted by Canon Prothero, was held in the Lantern of the Abbey.
Following the service, Darwin was laid to rest in the north aisle of the nave, a fitting tribute to his scientific eminence. He was interred near two other giants of science, Sir Isaac Newton and Sir John Herschel, solidifying his place among the most celebrated figures in British history.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Charles Darwin is the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries.
ACHIEVEMENTS Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection, one of the most significant scientific discoveries of all time.
Revolutionized our understanding of the natural world.
Inspired generations of scientists and thinkers.
Source Encarta Encyclopedia
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