What Happened After Theory of Evolution Was Published
Summary
TLDRCharles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' sparked controversy and debate upon its 1859 publication, challenging creationism with the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin's findings from the Galapagos Islands were pivotal, and despite initial resistance, his ideas spread rapidly, gaining both religious and scientific critics. Key allies like Thomas Huxley bolstered Darwin's stance, while figures like Samuel Wilberforce and Richard Owen fiercely opposed it. The theory's impact on science and society was profound, shaping our understanding of life's development.
Takeaways
- 📚 Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is one of the most influential and controversial scientific theories, challenging the belief in divine creation.
- 🌏 Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' was first published in 1859, proposing natural selection as the process through which species evolve.
- 🐦 Darwin's ideas were solidified during his visit to the Galapagos Islands, where he observed evidence of evolution in action.
- 🔥 The first print run of 'On the Origin of Species' sold out quickly, indicating a high demand and interest in Darwin's theory.
- 🔄 Darwin made swift revisions for the second edition of his book, which was published in January 1860, to address initial criticisms and feedback.
- 🤝 Darwin gained key allies such as Charles Lyell, Joseph Dalton Hooker, and Thomas Huxley, who supported his theory to varying degrees.
- 📝 Early reactions to Darwin's theory were mixed, with some like Charles Kingsley praising it, while others like John Leifchild vehemently opposed it.
- 🌐 The theory of evolution spread to the United States by early 1860, where it garnered both support and criticism.
- 🦴 Debates on evolution often focused on the idea that humans evolved from apes, a concept that remains controversial to some even today.
- 🏛 The theory of evolution sparked theological debates, with some viewing it as a direct challenge to religious beliefs and intelligent design.
- 🎓 Darwin's former teachers and the船长 of the HMS Beagle had differing views on his theory, reflecting the broader societal divide.
- 🏛️ The Catholic Church did not officially address the theory of evolution until decades later, with early noncommittal opinions suggesting opposition to the idea.
Q & A
What is the significance of Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution in the history of science?
-Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is significant as it proposed a natural process for the development of species, challenging the idea of divine creation and sparking widespread debate and controversy in the Western world.
In what year was Darwin's book 'On the Origin of Species' first published?
-Darwin's book 'On the Origin of Species' was first published in 1859.
What is the concept of natural selection as proposed by Darwin?
-Natural selection is a process where organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to gradual changes in species over generations.
Where did Darwin's idea of evolution solidify?
-Darwin's idea of evolution solidified during his visit to the Galapagos Islands, where he observed the effects of evolution in action.
How many copies were in the first print run of 'On the Origin of Species', and what happened to them?
-The first print run of 'On the Origin of Species' included 1,250 copies, which sold out almost immediately.
What did Darwin do after the first edition of his book was published?
-After the first edition was published, Darwin quickly set out to make corrections and revisions in preparation for the second edition, which was printed in January 1860.
Who were the three close allies that Charles Darwin gained to support his theory?
-Darwin's three close allies were Charles Lyell, a geologist; Joseph Dalton Hooker, a botanist; and Thomas Huxley, a naturalist who became Darwin's most virulent supporter.
What was the reaction of Charles Kingsley, a prominent Christian novelist, to Darwin's theory?
-Charles Kingsley, despite his religious beliefs, praised Darwin's theory in a letter, stating that if Darwin was right, he would have to give up much of what he had believed.
How did the first official review of 'On the Origin of Species' affect Darwin?
-The first official review, published anonymously by John Leifchild, was harshly critical, taking offense to the idea that humans had evolved from apes, which was a criticism that some opponents of evolution still use today.
What was the role of Harriet Martineau in spreading the word about Darwin's book?
-Harriet Martineau, an influential British writer and the first female sociologist, was enamored with Darwin's book and spread praise for it far and wide, contributing to its notability.
How did the publication of 'On the Origin of Species' impact the scientific and religious communities?
-The publication led to a theological battle, with some religious individuals perceiving Darwin's theory as an attack on their beliefs, while scientific supporters, like Thomas Huxley, prepared for debates and discussions on the theory's validity.
Outlines
📚 Publication and Impact of Darwin's Theory of Evolution
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution, introduced in 'On the Origin of Species', sparked controversy and interest. Initially available in a limited print run, the book quickly sold out, prompting a second edition with revisions. Darwin's concept of natural selection was inspired by his observations in the Galapagos Islands. Despite the controversy, he gained influential allies like Charles Lyell, Joseph Dalton Hooker, and Thomas Huxley. Early reactions varied, with some like Charles Kingsley praising the theory, while others, like John Leifchild, vehemently opposed it. The theory's popularity grew, spreading to the United States and beyond, with Darwin's brother Erasmus and Harriet Martineau helping to disseminate it. Debates on evolution and religion ensued, with supporters like Huxley gearing up for discussions, while opponents questioned Darwin's challenge to God's creation.
🤔 Darwin's Personal Struggle with Evolution and Religion
Darwin's theory of evolution presented a challenge to both scientific and religious beliefs of his time. Despite being religious himself and initially believing in a creationist worldview, Darwin's observations led him to reject the idea of intelligent design. He privately confided his changing beliefs to Charles Lyell, likening the predetermination of evolution to an author writing unnecessary drafts. Darwin's theory, while foundational, had its flaws, particularly in correlating the geologic time scale with the evolution process. His stance evolved over the editions of 'On the Origin of Species', reflecting the scientific and societal debates of the time. Public figures, including his former teachers and the船长 of the HMS Beagle, held varying opinions on Darwin's work, with some supporting and others vehemently opposing the theory. The Catholic Church and other religious institutions also expressed their reservations, setting the stage for significant academic and theological debates.
🗣️ The Great Debates and the Enduring Legacy of Evolution
The theory of evolution ignited passionate debates, particularly between Darwin's supporters and detractors. Notable figures like Thomas Huxley and Richard Owen engaged in public disputes, with Huxley defending the theory against creationist arguments. The famous debate at Oxford in June 1860, which Darwin could not attend due to illness, was a pivotal moment where Huxley faced off against Samuel Wilberforce. While both sides claimed victory, history suggests Huxley had the stronger argument. The public discourse extended beyond academic circles, involving figures like Robert Fitzroy, who became a vocal opponent of evolution, tragically affecting his life. The debates and discussions surrounding Darwin's theory have continued to shape scientific thought and challenge traditional beliefs, solidifying the theory's place in the scientific canon and cultural discourse.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Theory of Evolution
💡Natural Selection
💡On the Origin of Species
💡Galapagos Islands
💡Charles Lyell
💡Thomas Huxley
💡Intelligent Design
💡Creationism
💡Geologic Time Scale
💡Harriet Martineau
💡Oxford Debate
Highlights
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is one of the most famous and controversial scientific theories.
Darwin's theory challenged the idea of divine creation, causing a stir in the Western world.
The theory was first published in 1859 in 'On the Origin of Species'.
Natural selection is the process by which species adapt over millions of years.
Darwin's ideas were solidified during his trip to the Galapagos Islands.
The first print run of 'On the Origin of Species' sold out almost immediately.
Darwin quickly prepared a second edition with corrections in January 1860.
Darwin shared his findings with select individuals to gain allies before the controversy erupted.
Charles Lyell, Joseph Dalton Hooker, and Thomas Huxley were among Darwin's close allies.
Charles Kingsley, a Christian novelist, praised Darwin's theory despite his religious beliefs.
The first official review was harsh, criticizing the idea of human evolution from apes.
Darwin's theory spread to the United States by early 1860.
Darwin's brother, Erasmus, and Harriet Martineau helped spread the word of his theory.
Theological battle lines were drawn as opinions on Darwin's theory began pouring in.
Darwin never intended to challenge religion, but his theory was perceived as such by some.
Thomas Huxley was a prominent supporter of Darwin, known as his 'bulldog'.
Darwin's ideas went viral, becoming a popular topic of discussion despite the lack of social media.
Lord Palmerston and Prince Albert supported Darwin's nomination for a knighthood, which was opposed by the Queen's advisors.
Darwin's research led him to question and ultimately reject the idea of intelligent design.
Darwin struggled with applying a geologic time scale to his theory in the early editions of his book.
Darwin's allies helped promote his theory, including William Carpenter and Thomas Huxley.
Some of Darwin's former teachers had mixed reactions to his theory, with some denouncing and others praising it.
Robert Fitzroy, the Captain of the HMS Beagle, became a vocal opponent of Darwin's theory.
The Catholic Church did not make an official statement on evolution until decades later.
A major debate between supporters and detractors of Darwin's theory took place in Oxford in June 1860.
Thomas Huxley and Samuel Wilberforce had a notable debate, with Huxley seemingly having the stronger argument.
Darwin's theory has become the most probable and elegant explanation for the development of life on Earth.
Transcripts
Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution
is perhaps the most famous and controversial scientific theory
ever developed.
Declaring that living things had been crafted
by a natural process instead of being personally created
by the Christian God caused a bit of a stir
in the Western world.
So today, we're going to take a look
at what actually happened right after The Theory of Evolution
was published.
But before we get started, be sure to subscribe
to the Weird History channel.
After that, please leave a comment
and let us know what scientific topics
you would like to hear about.
OK, you say you want a video on evolution.
Well, you know, we all want to change the world.
First published in 1859 in a book titled
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection,
or, The Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life,
Darwin's Theory of Evolution proposed that human beings,
and all living creatures, for that matter,
had arrived at the current state through a process called
natural selection, which is the result of millions
of years of adaptation.
Darwin found his idea solidified went
on a trip to the Galapagos Islands
where evolution had run rampant.
And he later put those thoughts into words
that almost anyone could understand.
The first print run of On the Origin of Species
included just 1,250 copies, but they sold out
almost immediately.
Darwin knew that he had a hit on his hands,
so he quickly set out to make some corrections
to the work in preparation for the second edition.
Even though the first edition came out in November of 1859,
he was able to get the revisions done lightning fast in time
for the second printing in January of 1860.
Demand was still high, and a third edition
would not be far behind.
More than 20 years elapsed between Charles Darwin's voyage
to the Galapagos and the publication of his book.
Darwin knew that the publication On the Origin of Species
was likely to cause a bit of a firestorm,
so in order to get out ahead of the controversy,
he began sharing his findings with select individuals
in hopes of courting allies and supporters who
could stand by him when you know what hit the fan.
Ultimately, Darwin gained three close allies
who would go on to support him to varying
degrees in the coming years, Charles Lyell, a geologist,
Joseph Dalton Hooker, a botanist, and Thomas Huxley,
a naturalist who had become Darwin's most virulent
supporter.
One of the first people to read On the Origin of Species
was Charles Kingsley, a prominent Christian novelist.
Despite his religious beliefs, Kingsley
sent Darwin a letter praising his theory,
saying that, "if you be right, I must give
up much that I have believed."
If Darwin felt any relief due to this reaction,
it was probably short lived, because other early reviewers
were considerably less kind.
The first official review was published anonymously
by John Leifchild, who took incredible offense to the idea
that humans had evolved from apes.
This first criticism thrown at Darwin
is the same one that some opponents of evolution
still throw around to this day.
Despite the harsh review, On the Origin of Species
became so notable that word of it soon spread overseas.
People in the United States of America
were soon demanding the book, and copies finally
arrived there by early 1860.
One of the individuals who helped
to spread the word of Darwin was his brother, Erasmus.
Darwin's sibling was also formerly a close friend
of Harriet Martineau, an extremely influential
British writer known as the first female sociologist.
Martineau was enamored with the book,
and she too spread praise for it far and wide,
stating that it took her breath away.
Soon, reviews and opinions of On the Origin of Species
began pouring in, and theological battle lines
were drawn.
Darwin's intention was never to directly challenge religion,
but many took it that way.
People opined things like, why does Darwin
feel the need to question God?
And, is the theory of intelligent design not good
enough for him?
To some religious types, the very notion
that Darwin had beliefs that clashed with their own
was an inherent attack on their Christianity.
On the other side of the divide, supporters of Darwin
readied themselves for the coming debates,
including Thomas Huxley, who deemed
himself Darwin's bulldog.
There was no such thing as internet social media yet,
but Charles Darwin's ideas still went viral,
and he became really popular, really fast.
Whether you agreed or disagreed with his incendiary theory,
everyone was talking about Darwin.
One of his biggest fans was the prime minister,
Lord Palmerston, who was so taken
he submitted Darwin's name to Queen
Victoria as a possible candidate for knighthood,
less than a year after the publication
On the Origin of Species.
Prince Albert also supported the idea,
but the Queen's ecclesiastical advisors put the kibosh on that
right away.
There has since been a movement to Grant Darwin
his knighthood posthumously.
But even today, long after the theory of evolution
has been widely accepted in our scientific circles
and revolutionized our ideas about biology,
it hasn't happened yet.
Although Charles Darwin never intended to directly challenge
the church, he found that his own beliefs were heavily
challenged by his own research.
Darwin was religious, and he even partially
believed in a creationist worldview.
But it just didn't jive with what he had observed in nature.
Privately, Darwin decided that he no longer
believed in what would be coined in 1910 as intelligent design.
He confided in Charles Lyell that if predetermination
of providential planning were behind evolution, then
the entire process would be superfluous.
It would be like an author writing
many drafts of a manuscript even though he already
knew exactly what the final version would look like.
Thus, in Darwin's mind, predetermination
must not exist.
While Charles Darwin's theory of evolution
was fairly solid from the beginning
and remains the backbone of our modern understanding
of evolution, his theorizing certainly wasn't flawless.
In particular, Darwin struggled when
it came to applying a geologic time scale to his ideas
about the origin of life.
In his first edition, Darwin attempted
to demonstrate how much time evolution would
have had to work with by repeating
the claims of other scientists that the Earth was
over 300 million years old.
The idea that the Earth was millions of years
old was, and to some, still is a controversial notion.
So in the second edition, Darwin backed off this declaration
a bit, stating that the Earth had to be
at least 100 million years old.
By the third edition, Darwin dropped any mention
of geologic time altogether.
Even a theory as convincing as the theory of evolution
sometimes needs a little PR to truly influence the world.
Luckily, Charles Darwin had several allies on his side.
A popular article printed in The British Unitarian National
Review praised Darwin and his battle against absurd dogma
and was written by his personal friend, William Carpenter.
A reviewer for The Times didn't understand science at all,
so he let Thomas Huxley write his review
on The Origin of Species.
Darwin's bulldog produced such a glowing recommendation
of the theory of evolution that the review became one
of Darwin's prized possessions.
Charles Darwin was an educated man,
and that meant there were plenty of former teachers
of his around to share their opinions about him
as an individual and as a theorist.
One of his most prominent former educators, Reverend Adam
Sedgwick of the University of Cambridge,
denounced the findings, stating essentially
that life would be pointless without providence.
Another former teacher, however, put a much more positive spin
on things.
Robert Edmond Grant, who had taught
Darwin about invertebrates at the University of Edinburgh,
said to his former student, "with one
fell swoop of the wand of truth, you
have now scattered to the winds the pestilential vapors
accumulated by species mongers."
Boy, what a catchy pull quote.
The Captain of the HMS Beagle, which
had ferried Charles Darwin to the Galapagos Islands,
was Robert Fitzroy.
Fitzroy was a prominent religious theorist
and a biblical literalist who was
known for arguing that Noah's Ark definitely happened,
and that dinosaurs went extinct because they couldn't
fit on the boat.
Obviously, when Darwin published his theory of evolution,
Fitzroy was not impressed.
He became one of evolution's most vocal opponents,
and once became so incensed at a debate on the subject
that he stood up and shouted with a Bible held
over his head.
Fitzroy's personal role in Darwin's discovery
would haunt him for the rest of his days,
and eventually, took his own life.
Although Protestantism and Anglicanism had long since
taken root in England, the Catholic Church
was still seen as the pre-eminent religious power
in Europe.
The Vatican was obviously aware of the publication
of Darwin's work, but perhaps hoping
the whole thing would just go away on its own,
they declined to make an official statement on evolution
until decades later.
A council of Catholic bishops was convened in Germany in 1860
and they provided the most official and noncommittal
Catholic opinion on the matter, stating
that Darwin's theory was clearly opposed to sacred scripture
and to the faith.
Their main contention with his work
was the idea that humans evolved from apes.
With the battle lines drawn and tensions high on both sides,
the stage was set for a major clash between Darwin supporters
and Darwin detractors.
They would settle it in the usual academic fashion,
with a massive, no holds barred, Mortal Kombat
style martial arts competition.
That would have been cool.
But what they actually did is just
held a vigorous debate at a distinguished institution
of learning.
The location was Oxford, and the time
was June, 1860, less than a year after the theory's
initial publication.
Darwin did not attend due to illness.
But his close ally, Thomas Huxley
did, and had it out with Samuel Wilberforce, the Bishop
of Oxford.
Both sides thought they won, but history
seems to indicate that Huxley had the stronger argument.
This was the debate during which Robert Fitzroy, the Captain
of the HMS Beagle, held the Bible over his head
and shouted at everyone.
There's some attention-seeking behavior.
It's not about you, Robert.
It's not about you.
Publicly, the debate over the theory of evolution
became a debate between Thomas Huxley and Richard Owen,
who had long been a proponent of creationism.
Owen was fairly progressive as far as the side of the argument
went, and he admitted that Darwin's theories
had some merit to them.
However, he felt personally slighted by Darwin's language
in On the Origin of Species and became
one of its most vocal critics.
Owen loudly criticized Darwin and his disciples,
like Huxley, making frequent light of the fact
that Huxley believed he was descended from an ape.
Huxley shot back something about how he'd rather
be descended from an ape than somebody
like Owen, which presumably was the 19th century
equivalent of a mic drop.
As for Darwin, his theory would be naturally selected
as time went on and has become the most probable and elegant
way of explaining the development of life on Earth
as we know it.
So what do you think?
Do you believe in evolution?
Let us know in the comments below.
And while you're at it, check out some of these other videos
from our Weird History.
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