Giants Of Science: Charles Darwin

Throughout human history, great scientists have been making discoveries that have revolutionised our world. Here we take a look at arguably one of the most famous and influential scientists to have ever lived, Charles Darwin.

Charles Darwin was a British scientist who in many respects revolutionised the way we view the natural world and who remains one of the greatest scientific figures to have ever lived. 

Charles Darwin was born in Shropshire, England, in 1809 and from a young age displayed a strong fascination with nature. Initially, Darwin chose to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1825, however, he was later to have a change of heart, instead choosing to study theology at the University of Cambridge.

Then in 1831, Darwin embarked on what was to be his first voyage of discovery on the HMS Beagle, on an expedition that was to last 5 years. It was on this expedition that Darwin discovered many of the wonders of the natural world he had never encountered before. He made sure to make numerous observations during his travels and also collected several specimens. He was particularly influenced by his visit to the Galapagos Islands and was inspired by the variety of wildlife he saw there. He was intrigued by the fact that whilst the finches on the different islands had many basic similarities, they also displayed many key variations, for example in regards to beak size.

Upon his return to England in 1836 Darwin began to analyse his many observations and based on this research proposed his famous theory of evolution by natural selection. According to this theory, those animals or indeed plants with characteristics that make them more suited to their environment will be more likely to survive and reproduce and subsequently pass these desirable characteristics on to their offspring, and over time this process results in gradual changes in the species.

Darwin died in 1882 and was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, however, there is no denying that his legacy lives on and has inspired generations. Indeed following his death, Darwin’s ideas became increasingly popular and his theories remain hugely influential today, in many respects establishing a new dogma.
Without the courage and determination displayed by great scientists such as Charles Darwin the scientific field would be a much poorer place, not least of the many fascinating ideas and theories that would remain undiscovered.

Without the courage and determination displayed by great scientists such as Charles Darwin the scientific field would be a much poorer place, not least for the many fascinating ideas and theories that would remain undiscovered.

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