Charles Robert Darwin is one of the few scientists who has transcended science into popular culture and the mainstream of public consciousness. In the United States, one does not have to look far to see his name, as it can routinely be spotted on the backs of cars. Schoolchildren and even the huddled masses know his name and his contributions. His theory of evolution remains controversial, at least in the popular press, despite being published over 150 years ago. This Week in Science History (TWISH) we feature this legendary scientist on the 203^rd anniversary of his birth. 

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England on February 12, 1809. He was the fifth of six children born to Robert Darwin, a doctor, and was the grandson of Erasmus Darwin, a doctor and famous natural philosopher who may have thought of evolution himself. Darwin attended several schools before going to the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 1825. He was a poor student, bored with the medical subjects and his father intervened and sent him to Christ’s College at Cambridge for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Darwin would complete his degree in 1831. While there, he befriended John Stevens Henslow, who would invite him to join captain Robert FitzRoy on the HMS Beagle for a two-year expedition to explore the South American coastline.

Beginning on December 27, 1831, the Beagle expedition would last five years and would provide the stimulus to Darwin to develop his theories of evolution. Darwin kept careful notes of the observations he made, including geologic, botanical, anatomical and archaeological. For instance, in Patagonia, he found fossils of extinct mammals and was able to determine their extinction was not recent. In the Andes, he found seashells indicating the geologic processes shaping the land. His notes would serve as the beginning documentation of his later volumes. 

By the time he returned on October 2, 1836, Darwin would be a famous scientist based on his geologic observations on the trip. His evolutionary theories would remain unpublished for another 23 years (Read my previous blog to learn more about the publishing of The Origin of Species). During these years, Darwin was actively publishing his other observations on zoology from the voyage, the structure and distribution of coral reefs, and other subjects along with the traditional domestic type activities.  he Origin of Species changed everything. The controversy surrounding the publication was similar to today’s response, ironically enough. Darwin’s later books would include studies and theories on human origin, plant diversification and behavioral evolution, among other topics. 

Darwin would die on April 19, 1882. He was buried close to John Herschel and Isaac Newton in Westminster Abbey befitting his status as the preeminent scientist of his day, or perhaps, any day. His ability to translate his observations into larger theories solidified his place in the scientific pantheon.  

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