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First Publication of Evolution
Darwin’s most notable contribution to the world of science and philosophy was the theory of human evolution and natural selection. On this day, he went public with his theory for the first time. Several of his works, including two sections from his 1839 manuscript on species variation and a letter written to a Professor Asa in 1857 again on his views of species variation, were read aloud at a meeting. The reaction was mixed, but in general, there was little attention given to the theory. -
Theory of Evolution
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Publication of "On the Origin of Species"
On this day, his work “On the Origin of Species” was published and sold out (approximately 1,250 copies of the book). It was originally titled “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life” but shortened by the 6th edition of the book. Due to his place in the scientific community, these ideas were widely accepted, apart from the naturalists. -
Awarded the Copley Medal
On this day, Darwin was awarded the Copley Medal which is the Royal Society’s highest scientific honor. While Darwin was pleased, other members of the Society and the Church of England was not. -
The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex
His next publication was “The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex” and it, again, related to his theory of human evolution. The book contained topics such as evolutionary psychology, differences between sexes, the superiority of men to women, and the relevance of the evolutionary theory to society. It did not have the same reaction from the church or naturalist as “On the Origin of Species” did.
