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Birth
Charles Robert Darwin was born in Shropshire, England. His family were wealthy and well educated, with Darwin's father being a prominent and successful doctor. -
Education at University & The Plinian Society
Charles Darwin attended the University of Edinburgh Medical School along with his brother in the fall of 1825. He studied medicine but found little interest in it, and subsequently lacked the motivation to continue pursuing it. While at University, Darwin became a member of the Plinian Society where he gained an interest in natural history and evolutionary theoroies. -
Further Education at Cambridge University
Darwin attended Cambridge university where he focused attention to his Bachelor of Arts degree and educating himself on works in the field of natural philosophy. During his time at Cambridge, Darwin was inspired to go out into the field and study natural history in the flesh after finishing school. -
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Journey on HMS Beagle
Charles Darwin embarks on a five-year journey around the world, collecting specimens, documenting natural history finds and geologic discoveries. This trip armed Darwin with huge amounts of evidence and data which he would later use as a foundation to his theory on evolution. -
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Darwin's Theory on Evolution Takes Shape
During this time, Darwin refined his ideas and reflected on what he learned during his voyage on the H.M.S Beagle. By now, Darwin had become a well-respected member of the scientific elite and had published books on geology and other subjects. During this period, Darwin was also putting together the framework for his revolutionary theory on evolution and natural selection. To learn more about the origins of Darwin's theory, watch the following video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOk_0mUT_JU -
Darwin releases his "Big Book"
Charles Darwin releases his work "On the Origin of Species" to overwhelming popularity. His book explained for the first time in a scientifically testable way the theory of natural selection and evolution. His ideas showed that all living things adapted and evolved to better suit their environment over millions of years. His theory caused a paradigm shift in the scientific and religious communities, and steered the course of modern evolutionary theories up until today. -
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Later Works & Failing Health
Darwin continued his research on topics including botany and the link between humans and the lower species. During this time, Darwin's health begins to fail has he grows older. -
Death
Charles Robert Darwin died at Down House on April 19th, 1882. He was given an honorary burial at Westminster Abbey, alongside other great scientists and philosophers. References: Darwin, Charles, and Leonard Kebler. On the origin of species by means of natural selection, or, The preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life London: J. Murray, 1859. Retrieved 23 October 2021