“Principles of Geology” sparked Darwin’s interest
The image on the left shows the frontispiece to Charles Lyell’s Principles of Geology, the book that sparked Darwin’s interest in explaining the gradual changes in species over time, explains the National University of Singapore. On the right is “The Nomenclature of Colors” by Patrick Syme of Werner, another book from Darwin’s library that he brought with him on the Beagle voyage. Darwin used it as a guide to record the color of specimens.
Emma Darwin’s diary, catalog gifted to the Cambridge Botanical School in 1908, Darwin’s address book, and records from other institutional collections, private collections and auctions.
In addition, work included identifying missing details, such as authors, dates or sources of clippings, in thousands of records in the old catalogue, and comparing them with the handwritten “Catalogue of the Charles Darwin Library” compiled in 1875.
A statement from the National University of Singapore said: “We were not aware that another book purchased by the Darwins was a popular science book about gorillas that became a hit after the publication of On the Origin of Species: Paul Du Charu Chaillu’s exploration and adventure in equatorial Africa”.
Dr Fan said: “This unprecedented detailed look at Darwin’s complete library makes it clear more than ever that he was not an isolated figure working alone, but rather an expert of his time, with a foundation built on thousands of complex science and research and other knowledge.” Waihe.
“Indeed, the size and scope of the library’s holdings illustrate the extraordinary extent of Darwin’s study of the work of others.”
