Birth of Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, in Shrewsbury, England. He was the fifth of six children of wealthy society doctor and financier Robert Darwin and Susannah Darwin.
1809
1825
Darwin Begins Medical Studies
Charles Darwin began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh, but he found the lectures dull and surgery distressing. He left after two years without completing his degree.
1827
Darwin Enrolls at Cambridge University
Darwin enrolled at Christ's College, Cambridge, to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree, with the intention of becoming a clergyman. His interest in natural history grew during this time.
1831
Voyage of the HMS Beagle
Charles Darwin embarked on a five-year voyage aboard the HMS Beagle as a naturalist. This journey provided him with vast amounts of evidence that would later support his theory of evolution.
1836
Return from the Voyage
Darwin returned to England after his voyage on the HMS Beagle, bringing back numerous specimens and detailed observations that would form the basis of his scientific work.
1839
Marriage to Emma Wedgwood
Charles Darwin married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, on January 29, 1839. They had ten children, several of whom died in infancy.
1842
First Draft of Evolutionary Theory
Darwin wrote a 35-page sketch of his theory of evolution by natural selection, which he expanded to a 230-page essay in 1844, though it remained unpublished at the time.
1859
Publication of "On the Origin of Species"
Charles Darwin published "On the Origin of Species" on November 24, 1859. The book introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over generations through a process of natural selection.
1868
Publication of "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication"
Darwin published "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication," which detailed the results of his experiments and observations on the variability of species under domestication.
1871
Publication of "The Descent of Man"
In "The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex," Darwin applied evolutionary theory to human evolution, detailing his ideas on sexual selection and the common descent of humans and other animals.
1872
Publication of "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals"
Darwin published "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals," exploring how humans and animals express their emotions and the evolutionary significance of these expressions.
1877
Honorary Doctorate from Cambridge University
Charles Darwin received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Cambridge University, recognizing his significant contributions to science.
1881
Publication of "The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms"
Darwin's last book, "The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms," was published, focusing on the role of earthworms in soil formation.
1882
Death of Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin died on April 19, 1882, at his home, Down House, in Kent, England. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London, in recognition of his contributions to science.
1909
Centenary of Darwin's Birth
The centenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the fiftieth anniversary of "On the Origin of Species" were celebrated worldwide, highlighting his lasting impact on science and society.
