Darwins Life Timeline

CHARLES DARWIN TIMELINE   1809-Charles Darwin is born in Shrewsbury, England. 1825-Charles goes to Edinburgh University to study medicine. 1826-Darwin reads his first scientific paper to the university natural history society. 1831-Graduates from Cambridge University. Aug. 1831-Darwin, age 22, receives invitation to join HMS Beagle as unpaid naturalist.  In Sept., he meets Captain Fits Roy and is accepted for the post. Dec. 1831- Beagle sets sail for South America. 1832-1834-Beagle sails up and down eastern coast of South America.  Darwin discovers his "fossilized giants"at Punta Alta, Argentina, in 1833. 1834-Beagle enters Pacific. Sept. 15, 1835-After voyaging up west coast of South America, the Beagle reaches the Galapagos Archipelago and remains there until Oct. 2, 1836. 1835-1836-Beagle's homeward voyage, via New Zealand, Australia, the Indian Ocean, and the Cape of Good Hope. Oct. 2, 1836-Beagle arrives in England. 1837-Darwin takes lodging in London.  Inspired by his observations at Punta Alta and in the Galapagos, he starts studying the evolution of species.  At age 28 he begins to have health difficulties. 1838-Charles reads "Malthus's Population" and sees the "connection"between evolution and the struggle of species for survival. 1839-Charles marries his cousin, Emma Wedgwood.  His health gets much worse.  His journal of the voyage is published. May 1842-Starts writing a pensil sketch of his species theory.  Sept.-Darwins move to Down House, Kentucky, because of his health. 1844-Darwin writes longer version of his species theory. 1846-Darwin starts an 8 year study on barnicles;takes a break from his study of evolution. 1856-Darwin begins his "Big Book" outling his theory of evolution by natural selection. 1858-Starts work on his book, "The Origin of Species". Nov. 24, 1859-"The Origin of Species" is published in London. 1862-Darwin publishes a book on orchid polination. 1864-The Copley Medal of the Royal Society is awarded him for his work on geology, zoology, and botany. 1868-Publishes his "Variation of Plants and Animals Under Domestication". 1871-"The Decent of Man" is published. 1872-Darwin publishes his "Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals". 1881-Darwin, age 72, publishes his last book, "The Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms". Dec.-While visiting a friend in London, has a heart attack. April 19, 1882-Charles Darwin dies at Down, age 73.