Darwin’s observations in Chile were vital, says researcher

Charles Darwin’s period in Chile during his epic voyage on the Beagle was the most influential on his later thinking, according to a University of Manchester academic.

Dr Patience Schell, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Cultural Studies, says the scientist’s period in Chile between late 1832 and 1835 has not been given the recognition it deserves.

According to Dr Schell, it was his first hand experience of the 1835 Concepción earthquake and finding fossilised forests and shells high in the Andes which most influenced his famed Theory of Evolution.

The experiences convinced Darwin that English geologist Charles Lyell was right to say mountains like the Andes were not created by sudden immense catastrophes, but grew over millions of years through gradual changes. This immense time span allowed the time for natural selection to occur.

Dr Schell, who is based at the School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures said: "Though the Galapagos are often cited as the most important source of his ideas, Darwin’s time in Chile was as influential - if not more.

"And this is even more fascinating when you take into account the fact that Darwin in his early period wasn’t a scientist at all - but more of a graduate adventurer.”

"Fitzroy, Captain of the Beagle, only invited Darwin along as a companion while the ship was at sea: the science was an added bonus."

Darwin’s first paper ever published detailed the importance of the Chilean earthquake.

The Beagle sailed along the Chilean coastline for 15 months in total, making intermittent stops along the way.

Darwin’s sea sickness encouraged him to spend long periods on shore, which he’d mostly spend engaged in leisure pursuits such as hiking and riding.

"Luckily for all of us, Darwin also found time to gather specimens and observe geology. If he hadn’t, maybe science as we know it would be entirely different," she added.