The Originals: On The Origin Of Species - Om Books

Man selects only for his own good: Nature only for that of the being which she tends. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, a path-breaking scientific work by British naturalist Charles Darwin was first published in 1859. This book laid the foundations for modern evolutionary biology. In it, Darwin asserts that plant and animal life evolved from earlier forms through a process called natural selection. As a naturalist aboard the H.M.S. Beagle (1831–1836) Darwin conducted his observation and research in the Galápagos Islands, off the coast of South America. He recorded data on various species found there and these observations helped him formulate his theory about the mystery of the origin of species. The Theory of Evolution broke new ground by explaining the origin of species through descent from common ancestors, not by a divine power. On the Origin of Species covers a wide range of subjects, including the principles of mutation, variation, natural selection, evolution, amongst others. This seminal work has influenced many disciplines of study such as anthropology, the Classics, and religious studies.


Charles robert Darwin (1809–1882) was a British naturalist and biologist. He is well-known for his theory of evolution and his understanding of the process of natural selection. In 1859, he published his path-breaking book, On the Origin of Species. Darwin was born in the town of Shrewsbury, England. His father, Dr. R.W. Darwin, was a medical doctor, and his grandfather, Dr. Erasmus Darwin, was a botanist. His mother, Susanna, died when he was eight years old. He was educated at the University of Edinburgh and Christ’s College in Cambridge. His father hoped he would become a medical doctor or a parson, but he preferred to study Natural History. At Christ’s College, botany professor John Stevens Henslow became young Darwin’s mentor. Professor Henslow recommended him for a naturalist’s position aboard the HMS Beagle, which was slated to take a five-year survey trip around the world. On 27 December 1831, the HMS Beagle set out with Darwin aboard. During this voyage, Darwin collected a variety of natural specimens. His observations led him to formulate the seminal theory of evolution.