Darwin: A Life in Science
by Michael White and John Gribbin

There are many books covering both Darwin and his theory of evolution by Natural Selection. This book by White and Gribbin is yet another in that list of books.

Not having read any other biographies on Darwin, I am unable to judge how accurately this book portrays Darwin. However, what it does present, shows many interesting sides to Charles Darwin: a dedicated scientist, traveller and caring family man who, despite his various illnesses, managed to change how biology and geology was seen in his lifetime.

The various important events in Darwin's life are covered in this book: his journey on HMS Beagle, the development of the theory of evolution by Natural Selection, the publication of his various books including On the Origin of Species (by Natural Selection) and The Descent of Man and the unknown illness that made him unable to work for much of his later life.

But the book also highlights other aspects of Darwin that I knew little about. While young, Charles Darwin found it hard to keep to his studies, preferring to go in the woods gathering specimens. His father was in despair: showing little aptitude for medicine, Charles nearly went for religious orders until the opportunity to go on the Beagle was given and eagerly taken.

On the epic five year voyage itself, Charles often journeyed overland in South America, even going through a war zone and seeing a earthquake that was to make him appreciate the possibility that geological formations may have been formed gradually over a very long time (uniformitarianism). He collected a massive number of specimens that was to build up his reputation back in England.

Darwin first became known as a geologist, putting forward a theory on the formation on coral atolls after the journey. He also contributed part of a book on the journey of the Beagle which was later extracted and published separately as Voyage of the Beagle when it proved the most popular part of the original book!

At this time, his illness began to make itself known. Theories on it are many and varied, ranging from nervous disorders (panic attacks) to Chaga's disease (a tropical disease) to a weak immune system. He also began to make notes that was to make up Origin. But, perhaps feeling that while he was accepted as a geologist but not a biologist, he first produced a massive work on barnacles as well as on orchids that established his reputation in biology also. So, when Origin was finally printed, it was accepted as a book written by a reputable scientist, rather than as one written by a 'crackpot'.

Another aspect of Darwin's life that the book highlights is his relationship with his family. The book shows Darwin as a caring man who suffered through the death of his favourite child as well as his father, brother and many acquaintances later in life. He also managed to keep up an active social life despite his illness, often entertaining guests at his country house.

This book is nicely balanced between giving details (and dispelling myths) about what Darwin meant by his theory of evolution by Natural Selection, and giving details on Darwin's life. Enough background detail is also given on Victorian life and events to put Darwin's life in context.

If you want to know something about Charles Darwin, his life and his works, this is a book that will fulfill it.

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Darwin: A Life in Science by Michael White and John Gribbin

Darwin: A Life in Science
by Michael White and John Gribbin