A Life's Work

Part of the Darwin exhibition.

DownHouseRear_med.jpg
Take a video tour of Down House.
©AMNH video 2005

In 1842 Charles Darwin and his family fled London in search of peace and quiet. They found it in a tiny village 16 miles outside the city, and for the next 40 years their home--called Down House--was Darwin's retreat, research station and the hub of his vast scientific network. Working in his study, greenhouse and garden, corresponding with scientists around the world, Darwin patiently completed the puzzle of evolution by natural selection.

originmanuscr_lg.jpg
Origin Manuscript by Charles Darwin, February-July 1844
©The Syndics of Cambridge University Library DAR 7

But for nearly two decades Darwin kept his secret from the world. It took a letter from the Malay Archipelago--a letter outlining another man's version of natural selection--to push him into print. Shutting himself in his study, working feverishly, Darwin finally produced the Origin of Species. That book--and its companion volume, Descent of Man--would spark a revolution. They would also make Darwin the most revered, and controversial, scientist of his time.

Article Family Circle As the years passed, the sprawling house at Down filled up with children--the Darwins would have 10 in all--and a series of governesses,... Article From Pigeons to Potatoes Darwin often turned to domesticated species--manageable and well-documented groups that he, or the experts he knew, could breed and... Article A Grand Amusement Darwin looked at plants in a fresh way, fascinated by the intricate details of their structure and behavior. Above all, Darwin's... Article Wonderful Creatures, These Orchids Down House was in good orchid country; native species bloomed everywhere. This abundance delighted Darwin, who saw in the "wonderful... Article At Last   Article The World Reacts The Origin of Species caused a sensation, not only in Britain but around the world. Scientific reaction was equally intense. Article Where It Happened Rising early, working in his study for several hours in the morning and several in the afternoon, Darwin produced an enormous amount... Article The Highest and Most Interesting Problem The Descent of Man, published a dozen years after the Origin, tackles what Darwin knew would be the most controversial aspect of...

Read more about

The World Before Darwin Young Naturalist A Trip Around the World The Idea Takes Shape Evolution Today Endless Forms Most Beautiful Meet the Curator Behind the Scenes Collaborators Resources For Educators: Darwin