![]() In 1871, he examined human evolution and sexual selection in The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex, followed by The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872). ![]() Darwin's work established evolutionary descent with modification as the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. He was writing up his theory in 1858 when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay that described the same idea, prompting immediate joint submission of both their theories to the Linnean Society of London. Although he discussed his ideas with several naturalists, he needed time for extensive research and his geological work had priority. Puzzled by the geographical distribution of wildlife and fossils he collected on the voyage, Darwin began detailed investigations and, in 1838, devised his theory of natural selection. Publication of his journal of the voyage made Darwin famous as a popular author. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 established Darwin as an eminent geologist, whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyell's concept of gradual geological change. His studies at the University of Cambridge's Christ's College from 1828 to 1831 encouraged his passion for natural science. ĭarwin's early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh instead, he helped to investigate marine invertebrates. Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey. In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. One of Darwin's strongest critics, Samuel Wilberforce, reviewed 'Origin' in the 'Quarterly Review' (1860).Charles Robert Darwin FRS FRGS FLS FZS JP ( / ˈ d ɑːr w ɪ n/ DAR-win 12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. These included the works of geologist Sir Charles Lyell and the Duke of Argyll. Murray also published many other significant works supporting or attacking evolutionary theories. When John Murray bought the firm of Smith Elder & Co in 1916 they acquired Darwin's titles 'The Structure and Distribution of Coral Reefs' and 'The Zoology of the Voyage of HMS Beagle'. He also published Darwin's 'The Descent of Man' (1871) and 'The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals' (1872). Murray continued to publish revised editions. His risk paid off - 'Origin' sold out its first edition of 1,250 copies quickly and a corrected second edition of 3000 copies was published in January 1860. John Murray III had to make a decision about the effect that publishing the work would have on the reputation of the firm. This was particularly controversial, as it suggested that humans were not created by God, but had evolved from other animals.īoth Darwin and John Murray III were aware of the impact that the book would have on the scientific community and on the British public.Ĭorrespondence held in the John Murray Archive between Darwin and Murray - and people Murray asked for advice - reveals the history of this seminal work. In the book, Darwin put forward the argument that species evolved from common ancestors through the process of 'natural selection'. John Murray published Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species', widely recognised as the foundation for evolutionary biology, on 24 November 1859.
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