Darwin conceived natural selection in 1838 but published On the Origin of Species only on 24 November 1859. He wanted overwhelming evidence and was writing a h…
Charles Darwin was born on 12 February 1809. His birthday is now celebrated worldwide as Darwin Day.
Five years of fossils, rocks and animals gave Darwin questions. He left the Galapagos without a theory.
In September 1838 Malthus's essay on population showed Darwin how favourable variations could be preserved.
A 35-page pencil sketch in 1842 and a long essay in 1844, which he asked Emma to publish if he died.
Four monographs made Darwin an expert on variation and classification, and a respected specialist.
On Lyell's advice he began writing on 14 May 1856. By 1858 it was a quarter of a million words and half finished.
On 18 June 1858 Darwin received Wallace's essay setting out the same theory, reached independently.
Lyell and Hooker had extracts from Darwin's writings read alongside Wallace's essay. Neither author attended.
Written in 13 months, the book's 1,250 copies were all ordered by booksellers on 22 November.
Read the complete story, FAQs and key facts.