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Darwin mania - 200 years after his birth

For five years, Darwin sailed around the world on the Beagle, which launched in 1831 and brought the budding naturalist to exotic destinations full of creatures he had never heard of, whose variety and subtle gradations set his mind racing. Throughout that time, he took notes. Upon his return to England, he meticulously transcribed his notes, crossing them off as he went.

For five years, Darwin sailed around the world on the Beagle, which launched in 1831 and brought the budding naturalist to exotic destinations full of creatures he had never heard of, whose variety and subtle gradations set his mind racing. Throughout that time, he took notes. Upon his return to England, he meticulously transcribed his notes, crossing them off as he went.  (Andy Rain / EPA)

Down House was for decades Charles Darwin’s English home,
where he would think, write and enjoy family life. It reopens this
week to mark the bicentennial of the great scientist’s birth.

Darwin mania - 200 years after his birth

At his home in Downe, England, Darwin worked in his study, peering at specimens through a microscope.  (Andy Rain / EPA)

Darwin mania - 200 years after his birth

Pill pots used for Darwin’s findings. “He undoubtedly produced the biggest idea in science in the 19th century and, some people say, of all time. Because when you question your relationship to nature, you question everything,” said Robert M. Bloomfield, head of special projects at London’s Natural History Museum.  (Andy Rain / EPA)

Darwin mania - 200 years after his birth

A gardener works in the greenhouse at Down House. Currently, 60% of the plantings in the garden are of varieties of flowers and plants that were there during Darwin’s time.  (Andy Rain / EPA)

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