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© Cambridge University Library

Darwin letters

Archival - letters

Cambridge University Library

London and Down, Kent

Christianity

1866

Three handwritten letters, which were exchanged between Mary Boole and Charles Darwin.

What does it look like?

These three handwritten letters were exchanged between Mary Boole and Charles Darwin.

When Darwin published his famous book, On the Origin of Species in 1859, British culture was more openly Christian. His research and findings about evolution and natural selection were controversial for some people, who believed that the world was created and designed by God alone. Strangers, such as Mary Boole, wrote to Darwin, asking him to clarify his position.

When Darwin published his famous book, On the Origin of Species in 1859, British culture was more openly Christian. His research and findings about evolution and natural selection were controversial for some people.

Strangers, such as Mary Boole, wrote to Darwin asking him to clarify his position. He was not comfortable discussing his personal views but explained that it was not his intention to upset or challenge anyone’s personal beliefs.

Who, what and where?

Mary Boole was a Victorian mathematician and educator, who raised and supported her five daughters alone. She supported Darwin’s scientific discoveries but was troubled that other people had suggested his work was incompatible with her religious beliefs. She wrote to Darwin to share her concerns.

Darwin wrote back the next day and apologised for causing her such anxiety. He argued that his work would not necessarily conflict with her beliefs and agreed with her that religion and science would run their own separate course. She wrote back to thank him, saying that she was satisfied with his response.

Are there links to current religious practices or a modern equivalent?

Letters have long been a way for people to communicate. Now that ideas are so much more accessible to a significant proportion of the world’s population, the means of communication have naturally changed too. For example, people who have questions about religion and science might choose to write to an online forum such as Richard Dawkins’s Converts Corner  or the Science and Religion Forum.

Why is it significant to the study of religion?

Letters have long been a way for people to communicate. Now that ideas are so much more accessible to a significant proportion of the world’s population, the means of communication have naturally changed too. For example, people who have questions about religion and science might choose to write to an online forum such as Richard Dawkins’s Converts Corner  or the Science and Religion Forum.

Another change is that many of those who believe in God, now find the ideas of evolution and religious teaching to be compatible.

When Darwin published his famous book, On the Origin of Species in 1859, British culture was more openly Christian. His research and findings about evolution and natural selection were controversial for some people, who believed that the world was created and designed by God alone. Strangers, such as Mary Boole, wrote to Darwin asking him to clarify his position. He was not comfortable discussing his personal views but explained that it was not his intention to upset or challenge anyone’s personal beliefs. He believed that pain and suffering in the world were the result of fixed, natural laws, rather than due to God’s intervention.

In letters and in his autobiography, he wrote that he found it hard to believe in a God, who could allow such pain and suffering.

 

Where is it from, where is it now?

For details of how to visit the University Library, visit their website.

Resources

Websites

The Darwin Project

The project is publishing all of Darwin’s correspondence (over 15,000 letters) online, as well as producing educational resources for ages 7-16, for universities and for Darwin scholars. Schools resources include a timeline, short films, PowerPoint presentations and a wide range of subject specific and cross-curricular activities.

 

 

Videos

Faraday Schools

What kind of a picture would Year 9 of Maiden Erlegh School in Reading want to present to the great scientist about the legacy he left?

Places

Charles Darwin Trust

The Charles Darwin Trust takes Charles Darwin, the person, scientist and Victorian gentleman, his house, gardens and countryside at Downe, as an inspiration for teaching and learning science.

Resources