Darwin, Wallace and Huxley: The Three Great Pioneers of Evolutionary Theory
When Darwin reached his forties, he had clandestinely delved into the theory of evolution for over two decades. During this juncture, he received an epistle from the youthful scientist Wallace, which enclosed a handwritten scientific treatise aligning remarkably with Darwin’s theory of evolution. Wallace beseeched Darwin to assist in transmitting his valuable perspectives to Sir Lyyle, should Darwin deem them worthy. Presenting a predicament to Darwin, he found himself torn between preserving Wallace’s trust and relinquishing years of meticulous research to him. After profound contemplation, Darwin dispatched Wallace’s manuscript to Ryle, accompanied by a laudatory missive endorsing Wallace’s viewpoints, and implored Ryle to aid in the publication of Hua Lei’s work.
Upon receiving the correspondence, Ryle took immediate action. As a close confidant of Darwin, he was cognizant of Darwin’s protracted study of the theory of evolution. Perturbed by Darwin’s fastidiousness, he sought out Darwin’s associate Hooke to engage in deliberations, ultimately deciding to publish both Darwin’s and Wallace’s manuscripts concurrently. Darwin dissented, asserting to Ryle, “The public shall perceive my actions as opportunistic. I would rather consign my entire body of work to the flames than engage in such a course.” At that juncture, Darwin was suddenly beset by illness due to his children’s afflictions, and in the wake of the demise of his youngest offspring, he lacked the vigor to further inquire. Ryle and Hooker promptly unearthed Darwin’s scholarly articles and correspondences expounding upon the theory of evolution from bygone years, amalgamating them with Wallace’s manuscript for public dissemination. Upon learning the truth, Wallace was profoundly grateful to Darwin, forging a lifelong friendship with them. When Darwin’s magnum opus, “On the Origin of Species,” was published, detractors levied accusations of plagiarism against him, alleging that he had appropriated Wallace’s work. However, Wallace stepped forward to defend Darwin, affirming that Darwin’s research on evolution predated his own and that the aforementioned book was the culmination of Darwin’s decades-long toil.
Darwin’s unwavering character not only captivated Wallace but also ensnared the interest of Huxley.
In the aftermath of the publication of “On the Origin of Species,” Darwin encountered vehement opposition from religious and scientific circles. Huxley, a youthful scientist sixteen years Darwin’s junior, was profoundly moved by Darwin’s brilliance and ardently defended his theory of evolution. He expressed to Darwin, “I have not encountered a book that has engendered such excitement in me for countless years. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for bestowing upon me a fresh perspective on the world. I am honing my intellectual prowess to safeguard this seminal work. If necessary, I am prepared to endure martyrdom in its defense.”
Whether it be Darwin, Wallace, or Huxley, they all exemplify paragons of erudition and integrity. Had they approached each other’s accomplishments with selfishness and narrow-mindedness rather than appreciation, the world we inhabit today would have been bereft of its present brilliance.
