The first letter in this volume is a response to Origin of species, which was published in 1859. The following notes give some details of Darwin's life up to that point.

1809

Charles Darwin was born on 12 February, second son and fifth of six children of Robert Waring Darwin, a physician in Shrewsbury, and Susannah, daughter of Josiah Wedgwood I, master-potter of Staffordshire.

1818

Entered Shrewsbury School as a boarding student.

1825

Went to Edinburgh with his brother Erasmus to study medicine.

1828

Entered Christ's College, Cambridge, to study for a degree with the intention of becoming a clergyman.

1831

At the end of the year, sets sail in HMS Beagle as companion to Captain FitzRoy on a survey voyage to South America and the Pacific.

1836

Arrived back in England in October.

1838

Publication of the five-volume Zoology of the Beagle begins.

1839

Married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood. Voyage of the Beagle published, under the title Journal and remarks.

1842

Charles and Emma move with their two children from London to Down in Kent. Publication of Coral reefs.

1844

Publication of Volcanic islands. Darwin leaves instructions with Emma for the publication of a sketch of his ‘Species theory’ in the event of his untimely death.

1846

Publication of Geological observations on South America.