Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882). the celebrated English 

 naturalist, was the founder of the Darwinian theory of evolution. 



After taking part in the scientific expedition of the Beagle around 

 the world, Darwin settled in 1842 in the secluded village of Down 

 in Kent, where he devoted himself to a life of study and scien- 

 tific research. In 1859 he published his chief work. "The Origin 

 of Species," which was translated into many languages and be- 

 came the subject of more discussion than any volume of the age. 

 A second great work, "The Descent of Man," appeared in 1871. 

 and Darwin continued to produce important scientific works 

 throughout his life. 



