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Birth
Charles Darwin was born on February 12th, 1809, in a small market town named Shrewsbury in the county town of Shropshire, England. He grew up with his father, Robert Darwin, and his mother, Susannah Wedgwood. Learning skills on how to be observant with his patients. Until his mother’s untimely death in 1817, Charles Darwin would start his education by being taught by his sister, Caroline. Darwin, Charles. The Autobiography of Charles Darwin. Open Road Media, 2020. -
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Early Education
His father had a large impact on him throughout his life. With his father being a medical doctor, Darwin was able to observe his father and the cases he conducted. Learning skills on how to be observant with his patients. At a young age, he had an interest in natural history with a high emphasis on collecting information and exploration to new and remote countries. He attended Dr. Butler’s school in Shrewsbury where he remained for seven years. -
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University of Edinburgh
Darwin was later moved to the University of Edinburgh Medical School with his brother, Erasmus in 1825. There he did not excel but rather thought the teachings were rather dull to exclude his chemistry lectures. During his second year at the University, he was introduced to the Plinian Society that was involved in Natural Sciences. While still attending the Royal Medical Society, he balanced trying to please his father while trying to pursue a pathway to natural studies. -
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University of Christ College, Cambridge
During his time at Cambridge, he was introduced to entomology through his cousin Darwin Fox. His fascination with beetles was one thing that created a momentum of studies for creatures that looked similar in physical appearance but differed slightly. I established a fellowship with Professor Henslow, which influenced his future career. Darwin was astonished at Prof. Henslow’s knowledge, saying “his strongest taste was to draw conclusions from long-continued minute observations.” (Darwin, 34) -
Voyage of the Beagle
Prof. Henslow invited Darwin to accompany Captain Fitz-Roy on the HMS Beagle to note observations and theoretical speculations during their voyage. During their stop to the Galapagos Islands, Darwin was looking for evidence within the wildlife to his theory of species and their creation. -
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Darwin's Voyage Impact
Impact of Observations Charles Darwin. Makematic, 2023. -
Family Life
Darwin soon got married to his cousin Emma Wedgwood, who later gave birth to their ten children. Ensuring his family had everything they needed to live a fulfilled life; Darwin was able to devote much of his time to the theories he learned while being aboard the HMS Beagle. He pushed to publish his book “Geological Observations on South America,” which helped solidify his reputation with contemporary scientists.
Belanger, Craig. Charles Darwin. Great Neck Publishing, 2006. -
Origin of Species
Through his studies, Darwin created “The Origin of Species” he was able to define his theory through its core which “is the idea that a species’ ability to evolve is based on its natural selection of traits that enable survival, while traits which interfere with survival are gradually weeded out during the process of reproduction.” (Belanger) In his book, he talks about different species such as the tortoise and finches. Belanger, Craig. Charles Darwin. Great Neck Publishing, 2006. -
Religious Backlash
Even though Darwin’s theories did not receive criticism from the scientific community, they offended religious groups. Many of these groups believed that the true divine power is that one that has created such species. Due to that belief, many groups do not accept that “the validity of evolutionary science has led to the inception of such faith-based pseudo-scientific notions as creationism.” (Belanger)
Belanger, Craig. Charles Darwin. Great Neck Publishing, 2006. -
Death
During the year 1882, Charles Darwin started to experience a sickness which was sooner diagnosed with heart disease. In his time doing research he published over twenty books which led future scientists to develop more of Darwin’s theories. He died on April 19th, 1882 at Down House.