Wallace is a famous British natural scientist and traveler, who is 14 years younger than Darwin. Like Darwin, he engaged in scientific investigation activities. He went to Brazil, Malay Peninsula and other places in South America for biological investigation, photographing animal and plant specimens, and conducting research and writing on the same subject. In the meantime, he read Darwin's "The Nautical Diary of a Botanist", and he also had several correspondence with Darwin to discuss and exchange his research experience, but neither of them mentioned the specific content of his independent research and writing.
1On June 8th, 858, Darwin, who was trying to write the origin of species, received a manuscript about evolution from Wallace-about the tendency of variants to leave their original patterns indefinitely. Darwin was dumbfounded with surprise. He said: "I have never seen such an amazing accidental coincidence. ..... He now adopts academic terminology, and even the chapter titles in my manuscript are the same ... "
If this is the case, then the priority of evolution will belong to Wallace, and Darwin will be suspected of plagiarism if he publishes his works again. At this time, Darwin's ideological struggle was very fierce. You know Darwin has been engaged in research for more than 20 years. Wallace was still a primary school student who had just entered school to receive enlightenment education when he made scientific investigations all over the world. Darwin's relapse and children's poor health made his writing intermittent and slow, which made Wallace come from behind. But he deserves to be a man of noble character. He decided to stay out of it and suggested that Wallace publish his paper as soon as possible. At the same time, in order to avoid suspicion, he intends to interrupt writing and let Wallace enjoy the honor alone.
However, Wallace is also a man of noble character. Knowing this, he not only gave up his priority decisively, but also said respectfully, "When I was a hasty teenager, Darwin was already a patient and diligent researcher. He diligently collected evidence to prove the truth he found, but refused to publish his theory early for fame. "
Finally, under the persuasion of others, Darwin agreed to merge with Wallace's paper and submit it to Linnaeus for reading in the name of joint name. Darwin thanked Wallace very much. He wrote a congratulatory letter, saying, "If people with admirable enthusiasm and energy deserve success, then you should be the most worthy person."
With Wallace's encouragement, Darwin finally published the Origin of Species on1859165438+1250 on October 24th, and the book was sold out that day. Wallace cheered happily, calling this book "one of the most important books to date" and calling evolution "Darwinism".