Courtesy of the RCS and George P. Darwin

In 2009 we mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of biology’s most celebrated theorist. Charles Robert Darwin was born at the right time and in the right place in history to become a pivotal figure in the advancement of the life sciences. It was a time of innovative thought and invention; the industrial revolution was in full swing. The British Empire was the dominant world power and was leading the exploration of the globe.

Charles was born the son of a highly successful physician. Robert Darwin expected his son to follow him in medicine, but young Charles could not tolerate even observing surgeries without benefit of anesthesia, much less conduct them. He was much happier roaming the English countryside collecting things, like insects, and studying their endless varieties and behaviors. Following his lack of success studying medicine, he was sent to Cambridge to study theology. Instead he found a kindred spirit and mentor in Professor John Henslow, who encouraged Darwin’s explorations of the natural world. It was Henslow who set him upon the path that changed his life, and the biological sciences, by suggesting that Darwin take the position of naturalist, and gentleman companion to the captain, on the H.M.S. Beagle.

It was this five year voyage that was Darwin’s true education. His natural curiosity, his keen powers of observation, data collection, and organization, and his ability to think deeply with insight resulted in the development of habits for experiment and analysis that enabled him to make notable contributions for the rest of his life to geology, zoology and botany.

Drawing by Anthony Ravelli

Charles had spent the first few years upon his return from the voyage of the Beagle in London, working with his collections of specimens as well as writing and publishing his first book - all about the Beagle adventures. Emma and Charles were not happy in London, and longed for a quieter environment, so they shopped for a suitable home, and selected a small estate just outside the rural hamlet of Downe. Here, they lived for the rest of their lives, producing 10 children, seven of whom survived to adulthood.

Charles and Emma were comfortably well off with family money on both sides and with the success of their own investments in modern engineering projects. Charles never had to take employment, and spent his life in science. Emma was a devout Christian, who was frequently distressed by Charles’ “lack of faith” and ideas, that she felt were in opposition to her beloved Church. Charles was sensitive to her feelings, and did not discuss his theories with her. Emma was also an accomplished pianist, and Charles went to considerable effort to select a very fine piano for her, and had it brought from London to their home. Emma frequently played for Charles during the evenings, and her music thus accompanied some of his deepest thoughts, and internal debates.

Throughout the years at Downe in England, Darwin appeared to be living in relative isolation. But in fact, he carried on extensive correspondence with scientists around the world. He sent and received specimens and data, ideas and debate. He wrote on many topics, including an exhaustive study of barnacles. His work was often presented at the Royal Society meetings by others, including his theory of descent with modification by natural selection.

A signature attribute of a powerful scientific theory is that it enables future research and understanding. Two hundred years later we are still interpreting our world in light of Darwin’s theory. It provides a test against which we measure our ideas today. In the words of Theodosius Dobzhansky in 1964, “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

Happy Birthday, Charles Darwin.