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Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Mar 26, 2015

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Page 1: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Surprising truths about Surprising truths about Charles DarwinCharles Darwin

Surprising truths about Surprising truths about Charles DarwinCharles Darwin

David PannellUniversity of Western Australia

Page 2: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Just a bloke with a good idea?Just a bloke with a good idea?Just a bloke with a good idea?Just a bloke with a good idea? I was interested in evolution but not in

Darwin Eventually read Adrian Desmond and

James Moore (1991) “Darwin”

Page 3: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

LifelineLifelineLifelineLifeline Born 1809 Study (Edinburgh and Cambridge)

1825-1831 Voyage of the Beagle 1831-36 Retired to Down 1842 The Origin of Species

1859 Died 1882 Darwin’s home at Down, near London

Page 4: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin’s achievementsDarwin’s achievementsDarwin’s achievementsDarwin’s achievements Transformed biological science

Both style and content Still the cornerstone of biology Now the cutting edge of psychology

Transformed attitudes of humanity to our place in the universe

Page 5: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Not just an evolutionistNot just an evolutionistNot just an evolutionistNot just an evolutionist Not even a biologist to start with Collected beetles for fun Studied geology more seriously Considered himself a geologist

throughout the Beagle voyage and for some time after

Famous for working out how coral atolls are formed

Page 6: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

His books His books (not just on evolution)(not just on evolution)His books His books (not just on evolution)(not just on evolution)

Beagle voyage Coral reefs Volcanic islands Geology of South

America Barnacles Species Man

Emotions Climbing plants Domestication Cross and self

fertilisation Orchids Worms Autobiography

Page 7: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Contribution to style of scienceContribution to style of scienceContribution to style of scienceContribution to style of science Pre-Darwin, science was done in

homage to God Was primarily descriptive Deduction and theorising was

disparaged as “speculation” Darwin used detailed observation to

explore much larger questions - helped change scientific methods

Page 8: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Natural selectionNatural selectionNatural selectionNatural selection Developed theory in complete isolation In face of violent opposition With no knowledge of genetics With no knowledge of DNA With no knowledge of plate tectonics With no observations of natural

selection actually occurring

Page 9: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Not first to propose evolutionNot first to propose evolutionNot first to propose evolutionNot first to propose evolution French tradition

Jean-Baptiste Lamark Etienne Geoffroy St Hilaire

Erasmus Darwin (Grandfather) Robert Grant (Mentor) Was expounded in a popular book

(“Vestiges”) 15 years before “Origin”

Page 10: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin was mis-creditedDarwin was mis-creditedDarwin was mis-creditedDarwin was mis-credited Died famous for evolution (which was

not his idea) Natural selection not widely accepted,

even among his supporters Darwin remained convinced Only 40-50 years later did scientists

appreciate his foresight.

Page 11: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

The Beagle Only 90 foot long, but carrying 74 people.

Page 12: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Joining the Beagle VoyageJoining the Beagle VoyageJoining the Beagle VoyageJoining the Beagle Voyage Not paid for 5 years on Beagle. Actually, he had to pay! Was lucky to get on

replaced someone who was shot in a duel

his father opposed him going

Mainly asked because of his class, to keep Captain Fitzroy company

It was the making of him

Page 13: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Galapogos, 1835Galapogos, 1835Galapogos, 1835Galapogos, 1835 Portrayed as a “Eureka” experience. Actually, was hugely homesick Did not recognise significance until back

in England, 1837. Worked out theory much later. First inkling of natural selection in 1838.

Turtles & finches were key evidence On boat home, ate turtles, dumped shells Thought finches different species; didn’t even

label them properly

Page 14: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.
Page 15: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.
Page 16: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

The Beagle in Sydney HarbourThe Beagle in Sydney HarbourThe Beagle in Sydney HarbourThe Beagle in Sydney Harbour

Page 17: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin in AustraliaDarwin in AustraliaDarwin in AustraliaDarwin in Australia Only visited three places in Australia

Sydney, Jan 1836 Hobart, Feb 1836 Albany, Mar 1836

“On the whole I do not like New South Wales. It is no doubt an admirable place to accumulate pounds and shillings; but heaven forbid that I should live where every man is sure be somewhere between a petty rogue and a bloodthirsty villain.” (Darwin to Henslow)

Page 18: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in Albany In Albany 6-14 March 1836

“The settlement consists of 30-40 small white washed cottages, which are scattered on the side of a bank and along a white sea beach.”

Explored Bald Head Attended a corroboree. Visited Strawberry Hill Farm

Page 19: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in Albany Felt homesick. Departure delayed by

strong winds. “I do not remember, since leaving England,

having passed a more dull and uninteresting time.” (Voyage)

Failed to recognise the massive biodiversity. “He who thinks with me will never wish to

walk again in so uninviting a country.” (Voyage)

Page 20: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Darwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in AlbanyDarwin in Albany By FAR the most important and the

most famous person ever to visit Albany.

One of very few places he did visit outside England and South America

Not a single indication of his ever having visited. No plaque, monument, street name, place

name

Page 21: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

The Big Idea: The Big Idea: Natural SelectionNatural Selection

The Big Idea: The Big Idea: Natural SelectionNatural Selection

He knew about fossils Collected many for extinct animals Knew about Llyell’s theory of

“evolution” of geology Read Malthus (an economist) on

population and competition for resources. His ideas developed steadily over 20

years

Darwin’s sand walk at Down: a daily thoughtful stroll

Page 22: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Influence of economicsInfluence of economicsInfluence of economicsInfluence of economics He read Malthus and Adam Smith Saw specialisation benefits in factory

Wedgewood (wife’s family owned it) Evolutionary biology makes use of

models from economics, especially game theory. Example: “The Selfish Gene”, Richard

Dawkins

Page 23: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long? Anguish Illness Slow development of ideas Collection of a wealth of evidence

Page 24: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

AnguishAnguishAnguishAnguish Social class

Respectability Evolution subversive - against his class

Religous considerations especially worried about hurting wife

Emma who grieved for his soul

Scientific prejudice against “speculation”

“Like confessing a murder.”

Page 25: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

IllnessIllnessIllnessIllness Problems throughout life

violent shivering, vomiting, exhaustion, palpitations, hands trembling, head swimming, sleeplessness, headaches, flatulence, stomach problems, ringing of ears, fainting, copious pallid urine

In 1841 could work “an hour or two a couple of days a week.”

Chaga’s disease? Just nervous? Poisoning himself with medecine?

Page 26: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long?Slow to publish: Why so long? Anguish Illness Slow development of ideas Detailed analysis, collection of a

wealth of evidence pigeons barnacles

Page 27: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

BarnaclesBarnaclesBarnaclesBarnacles Started out as a brief study.

Took 8 years (from 1948). Huge 2 volume treatise overhauling entire

sub-class.

Dominated his kids lives One of his kids asked a friend, “Where does

your dad do his barnacles?”

Established him as a biological specialist, not just a geologist

Royal Society Medal

Page 28: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

CourageCourageCourageCourage On Beagle voyage, rode hundreds of

miles through bandit areas and war zones in South America

Stayed on the voyage for five years despite extreme sea sickness

Worked through his illnesses Was willing to publish “Origins”

despite the risks

Page 29: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

WealthWealthWealthWealth Father a wealthy doctor Reduced his enthusiasm to get a job as

a doctor or clergyman Wealth bought time and resources Made money from investments (land

and railway stocks), not from books

Page 30: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Alfred Russel WallaceAlfred Russel WallaceAlfred Russel WallaceAlfred Russel Wallace Thought of natural selection

independently Wrote to Darwin Darwin had been working on book Published a “letter” jointly Bit it was Darwin who put in the hard

yards collecting and documenting evidence to support theory

Page 31: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

ReligionReligionReligionReligion Started out on path to clergy

“The Darwins had produced lawyers and military men, but Charles lacked the self-discipline. There was, however, a safety net to stop second sons becoming wastrels: the Church of England. An aimless son with a penchant for field sports would fit in nicely.” (Desmond & Moore)

Signed 39 articles of faith A naturalist parson?

Page 32: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.

Religion did accommodate Darwin to some extent Many religious leaders not literalist Science served religion, so its findings

were taken as revelations of God’s plan

Buried in Westminster Abbey The Times: “The Abbey needed Darwin

more than Darwin needed the Abbey.”

Religious conflictReligious conflictReligious conflictReligious conflict Samuel Wilberforce vs T.H.Huxley

“Was it from your mother’s side or your father’s side that you were descended from an ape?”

“If the question is whether I would rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather or a man of means and influence who uses these gifts to introduce ridicule into a grave scientific discussion, I unhesitatingly affirm my preference for the ape!”

“For once reality and his brain came into contact, and the result was fatal.”

Years later Wilberforce fell off his horse, landed on his head and was killed.

Page 33: Surprising truths about Charles Darwin David Pannell University of Western Australia.