1. Charles Darwin ( )

2. Finding his Vocational Calling
Attended Edinburgh University to study medicine and become a physician
Found he disliked medicine and the mere sight of blood
Father suggested he pursue work in the Church
Wanted to become ordained in Church of England – needed B.A. degree from an English University
Went to Christ’s College – University of Cambridge
Discovered love for naturalism

3. Contributions – Theory of evolution by natural selection
Most famous contribution
Unifying theory of life sciences
First attempt at explaining where diversity in living things came from and how they became adapted to their environments
Developed during 5 year expedition on the Beagle (survey ship)
Visited South America, the Galapagos islands, Pacific oceanic islands
On The Origin of Species (1859) – abstract

5. Contributions (Cont’d)
One of the most original and influential workers in the history of science
Produced writings in the fields of geology, zoology, taxonomy, botany, paleontology, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, literature, and theology
Published 8 years worth of studies on barnacles
After his death – 1909 over 400 scientists from 167 different countries gathered to celebrate his works and 50th anniversary of On The Origin of Species

6. Opposition Alfred Wallace – competed to publish similar ideas
Many rejected his finding on natural selection
Generation of biologists disagreed with natural selection
Wasn’t the first to propose species changed
Happened to be more accurate in his explanations
Title of On The Origin of Species misunderstood by many

7. Works Cited
John van Wyhe, ed  The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online