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Early Life
Born on February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. The fifth out of six kids to father, Dr. Robert Darwin (a medical doctor) and mother, Susanna Wedgwood. His grandfather was renowned poet, physician, and naturalist, Erasmus Darwin. -
Education
In October 1825, Darwin enrolled at the University of Edinburgh with his brother, Erasmus. His father hoped he would follow in his footsteps as a physician but Darwin learned more about science in his own time than in his formal studies. After two years, it became clear that he did not want to pursue medicine so it was proposed that he become a clergyman instead, but he was more inclined to study natural history. He then became a student at Christ's College in Cambridge. -
HMS Beagle
While at Christ's College, Darwin studied under his mentor, botany professor, John Stevens Henslow. In 1831, after he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Henslow recommended him for a naturalist's position aboard the HMS Beagle. December 1831, the ship launched on its five-year trip around the world. Over the course of the trip, Darwin gained a masterful degree of competence in a whole range of natural sciences. This trip determined his whole career and led him to formulate his theories. -
Beginning of Theory
As Darwin was able to closely observe principles of botany, geology, and zoology through hands-on research and experimentation during his trip with the HMS Beagle, he began to write up his findings upon his return home to England in 1836. These were published in the "Journal of Researches" as part of Captain Robert FitRoys's larger narrative into the :Zoology of the Voyage of the Beagle" This was the beginning of his theory regarding the origin of living beings. -
Theory of Evolution
In 1858, Darwin was halfway through his book regarding his theory of evolution when he received a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace, proposing a similar theory. Their joint theories were read at a meeting of the Linnean Society of London. This became the first public introduction of Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection, which declared species that successfully adapted to meet the changing requirements of their natural habit thrived while those that failed to evolve died off. -
On the Origin of Species
In November 1859, Darwin published a detailed explanation of his theory in his best known work, "On the Origin of Species." It did not take long for reviews to appear, which came in a broad range of reactions. Some were horrified as others were convinced that Darwin revolutionized science. He updated his book regularly, authoring six different editions. Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species. Project Gutenberg, 2005. Print. -
Awarded the Royal Society's Copley Medal
In Novemeber 1864, Darwin was awarded the Copley Medal for his important researches in geology, zoology, and botanical physiology." The Copley Medal is the most prestigious award in the UK, given for outstanding achievements in research in any branch of science." -
Death
Darwin died in April 19, 1882. His theory of evolution and the process of natural selection became known as "Darwinism." DNA studies have provided scientific evidence on his theory, but controversy surrounding its conflict with Creationism is still found today. -
Theory of Evolution: How did Darwin come up with it?
