February 12th is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, founder of the theory of evolution. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of his most famous work On the Origin of Species.
On the Origin of Species laid the foundations of the theory of evolution and transformed the way society thinks about the natural world.
At the time of its publication many people believed that the world was created by God in seven days, as described in the Bible, and even in these enlightened times some still subscribe to creationist dogma.
Natural selection
But On the Origin of Species introduced the theory that species evolved over the course of generations through a process of natural selection.
On the Origin of Species was the culmination of evidence Darwin collected on a five year voyage around the world in the 1830s, and expanded on through continuing investigations and experiments on his return.
“Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution revolutionised our understanding of the natural world” Bob Bloomfield, head of special projects at the Natural History Museum
Last year, in preparation for the Darwin200 celebrations, a massive 2.2 tonne statue of Darwin was moved back to its original position on the landing of the Central Hall of London’s Natural History Museum.
National programme of events
Darwin200 is a national programme of events honouring Darwin’s scientific ideas and their impact. The celebrations have already begun and will continue until 24th November 2009, the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species.
From September, visitors to the Natural History Museum in London will share the excitement of exploring, studying and preserving the natural world in the new Darwin Centre. The 8 storey, £78 million landmark building completes the Darwin Centre’s development.
More information
Find out more about Charles Darwin on the Natural History Museum website and at Darwin200. You can also read the Complete Work of Charles Darwin online.
No recommended reading.
