Abstract
An up-to-date examination of the life and interests of the greatest scientist of the 19th century. Discussed are the influences of his mentors at Edinburgh University and the University of Cambridge while he was on the 5-year around-the-world voyage of HMS Beagle, and those in London after his return; the importance of the geology, zoology, and botany collections he made on the voyage; his research before publication of On the Origin of Species, and his later research on plants and animals that helped solidify the acceptance of evolution and natural selection; and the importance of about 2000 correspondents around the world who supplied him with information that aided him in his research and many publications. Useful lists of references cited in the text and further readings to augment this essay are attached.
