Darwin the Geographer

Darwin became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1838; he was nominated by three existing Fellows: Woodbine Parish, Charles Lyell and J. Stuart Wortley. Darwin attended Society lectures held at the Horticultural Society’s hall on Regent Street. He became involved in a wide variety of geographical matters, ranging from publication of his ‘Note on a Rock Seen on an Iceberg in 61o South Latitude’ in the Society’s Geographical Journal of 1839, to reviewing the geological content of articles submitted to the Society for publication. He frequently used the Society’s library at No. 3, Waterloo Place; ranging from his examination of samples of Mastodon or Elephant tusk from Peru with the Society’s Librarian, to requesting copies of charts from the Society’s collection relating to the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific Ocean which he had visited on his voyage aboard HMS Beagle.

As his reputation grew, Darwin was invited to join the governing Council of the Society in May 1840, on which he served for one year. Once Darwin became a resident in Kent at Down House, he declined an invitation to re-join the Council in 1843, stating that his greater involvement at that point would ‘rob me of so much time, that I fear I should scarcely ever attend…’

Darwin did however continue to make use of the Society’s library, requesting maps, books and charts to aid his scientific research work, often asking for particular items to be delivered for collection from his club, The Athenaeum, in Pall Mall.

Charles Lyell was one of the three Fellows who nominated Darwin to be a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 1938

Charles Darwin's pocket sextant carried on the voyage of HMS Beagle, 1831-1836. Stored in a brass case; it was presented to the RGS by Darwin's son Leonard in 1912 and made by Newman of 122 Regent Street.

H.M.S Beagle on which Darwin spent almost five years of his life. Most of the expedition was spent exploring on land with 18 months spent at sea.

A copy of Darwin’s Certificate of Candidate for Election to the Royal Geographical Society, 1838

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is a leading world centre for geographers and geographical learning dedicated to the development and promotion of knowledge together with its application to the challenges facing society and the environment. Founded in 1830, it has been one of the most active learned societies ever since.

Today, the Society supports and promotes geographical research, education, fieldwork and expeditions, and geography in society; it also advises on policy issues. The Society has substantial collections, accessible to all. The Society is a charity with a broad-based membership that supports its missions and aims.

To find out more visit us at www.rgs.org.