Biography of Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. His father was a very wealthy physician named Robert Waring Darwin. His Grandfather, Erasmus Darwin was a famous poet, physician, and philosopher. His mother's name was Susannah Wedgewood. His mother was the daughter to a famous pottery expert named Josiah Wedgwood. Young Charles was destined to make something of himself the day he was born.

In 1818, young Charles began school at Shrewsbury. His scholastic achievments were very minor and at the concern of his father he was removed. His father stated, "You care for nothing but shooting dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and your whole family." Robert Darwin enrolled his son in Edinburgh to study medicine. Young Darwin did not like the subject and could barely even watch operations, which at that time they performed without Anesthesia. In 1827 Charles was sent to Christ's College in Cambridge to prepare for holy orders in the church of England. This was the last resort for failures in rich families. Charles did not care much at all about his ministry studies and spent most of his time with young sportsmen. At Cambridge, Charles began to meet many scientists. Daily, the scientists would encourage Charles to study natural history. A botanist by the name of John Steven Henslow was a particular influence on Charles. Henslow assisted Charles in his struggle with low self-esteem.

When 1831 rolled around Charles received h...