1858: linnean society of london listened to a joint paper report on how the theory of natural selection evolved and species diversity. The authors of this paper are Charles Darwin and alfred russel wallace. Thus, history has opened the curtain of modern biology.
Scientists at that time had realized the evolution of living things. The fossil record shows people the evidence of the existence of extinct species. The question is, how did organisms evolve?
Darwin devoted himself to his theoretical research from 1837, when he had just completed a long voyage with the Royal Navy Beagle. The naturalist, who is famous for his rigor, not only intends to classify a large number of different species observed during his trip, but also hopes to find a reason that can reasonably explain this phenomenon.
He felt it necessary to publish detailed literature on the theory of natural selection to dispel the resistance of ordinary people to this radical idea at that time. So he intends to write a comprehensive and voluminous book to conquer scientists and the world.
1858 In June, when Darwin was still immersed in his masterpiece, he received a letter from an English naturalist working in the Malay Archipelago. At that time, alfred russel wallace was really a reckless young man. When he conceived the theory of natural selection, he never thought that his life would be dedicated to a book with as many as ten volumes. He just wrote a core paper on this topic in a hurry, and then sent it to Darwin, the author of A Dog's Journey, asking if his paper could be published.
Darwin was depressed. (Translator: This is a rule in science. Whoever announces the results first will get it. )。 It's like I'm ready to lose the honor I deserve in my research for 20 years. Wallace also asked Darwin to forward this paper to Scottish geologist Lyell Charles. Like British botanist joseph hooker, Lyle was one of the few people who knew the early draft of Darwin's study on natural selection.
Reading this 18 page paper is Chairman linnean society of london. The thesis consists of four parts:
1. Letter of introduction from the reader of the paper, explaining the special circumstances and environment in which the paper was produced.
2. An excerpt from Darwin's unpublished manuscript, taken from the title "On the Formation of Species in Natural State; On the method of natural selection-also on China's species comparison and species definition ";
3. 1857 Abstract of Darwin's letter to Asa Gray, a botanist at Harvard University.
4. Wallace's manuscript "On the Trend of Infinitely Far from the Original Form of Life Diversity".
The difference in personality led Darwin to delay publishing his own research, while Wallace could not wait to publish the research results. Now, it is the same personality difference that is more beneficial to Darwin ... and ultimately brings him greater fame. Wallace has long been ready for the next step: collecting a large number of specimens of natural species, hoping to win fame and fortune.
Darwin also realized that he should do something: at the urging of his friends, he published a magnificent book containing all his research, which is the Origin of Species published by 1859.