Charles Darwin, 1809-1882
Charles Darwin was educated as a clergyman, but was an accomplished naturalist, geologist, biologist, and writer. He is best known today for his theory of evolution, formed after much observation on voyages from England around South America on the H.M.S. Beagle. The theories for which he is best known sparked continuous debate from Darwin's contemporaries through the present day.
Darwin was born in Shropshire, England, on February 12, 1809, the son physician Robert Darwin, and grandson of the famous Erasmus Darwin, also a physician and natural philosopher. He was destined to follow in their footsteps, and receive medical training, but developed a distaste for the profession through the course of his studies and introduction to surgery. After abandoning medical school at Edinburgh University, his father enrolled him at Cambridge University to pursue theology with the hope of his entering the clergy. Charles, instead, soon succumbed to his passion for nature, enrolling in courses in the natural sciences. After abandoning his earlier academic and professional leanings, Darwin spent much time honing his powers of observation in the field, building extensive collections of botanical, entomological, ornithological, and geological specimens.
Upon graduation, Darwin was offered the position of naturalist on board the second survey voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle, as it embarked on its planned two-year voyage around South America. After much persuasion by family members, Charles received his father's blessing and the financial support that enabled him to proceed with the voyage. Darwin documented his findings and established himself as an accomplished geologist during the voyage, which ultimately lasted five years.
After his return from voyage, Darwin married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, granddaughter of the founder of the Wedgwood china company, and ultimately settled in Kent. The couple had ten children, seven of whom lived to adulthood. He devoted most of his time to collecting, research and writing. A successfully published author in the geological sciences, Darwin turned his attention to having his theory of evolution published in the 1850s. It was many of the observations made during his voyage on the Beagle that provided the foundation for his groundbreaking theories of evolution.
Darwin published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection in 1859, followed by The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex in 1871, his second work on evolutionary theory. In addition, Darwin published extensively in botany and geology. The influence of his writings can be seen in a wide range of disciplines, including economics, theology, and philosophy in addition to the natural sciences.
Darwin suffered various ailments resulting in ill health throughout his life. Speculation regarding it cause ranged from a parasite encountered in South America, to psychosomatic illness. He died in 1882.