DATES OF THE PUBLICATION OF CHARLES DARWIN’S 
BOOKS AND OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN HIS LIFE 
1809 
1817 
1818 
1825 
1828 
1831 
Charles Darwin born at Shrewsbury, February 12. 
“At 82 years old I went to Mr Case’s school.” [A day-school at Shrewsbury 
kept by the Rev. G. Case, Minister of the Unitarian Chapel. ] 
“I was at school at Shrewsbury under a great scholar, Dr Butler; I learnt 
absolutely nothing, except by amusing myself by reading and experimenting 
in Chemistry.” 
“As I was doing no good at school, my father wisely took me away at a rather 
earlier age than usual, and sent me (Oct. 1825) to Edinburgh University 
with my brother, where I stayed for two years.” 
Began residence at Christ’s College, Cambridge. 
“I went to Cambridge early in the year 1828, and soon became acquainted 
with Professor Henslow....Nothing could be more simple, cordial and unpre- 
tending than the encouragement which he afforded to all young naturalists.” 
“During the three years which I spent at Cambridge my time was wasted, as 
far as the academical studies were concerned, as completely as at Edinburgh 
and at school.” 
“Tn order to pass the B.A. Examination, it was...necessary to get up Paley’s 
‘Evidences of Christianity,’ and his ‘Moral Philosophy.’...The careful study 
of these works, without attempting to learn any part by rote, was the only 
part of the academical course which...was of the least use to me in the 
education of my mind.” 
Passed the examination for the B.A. degree in January and kept the following 
terms. 
“TI gained a good place among the of woAAoi or crowd of men who do not go in 
for honours.” 
“JT am very busy,...and see a great deal of Henslow, whom I do not know 
whether I love or respect most.” 
Dee. 27. “Sailed from England on our circumnavigation,” in H.M.S. Beagle, a 
barque of 235 tons carrying 6 guns, under Capt. FitzRoy. 
“There is indeed a tide in the affairs of men.” 
