The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-04-28
DEATH OF DARWIN.

Charles Robert DAWN, the famous scien-
tist, died Tuesday, April 10th, at his home
In England, after very brief illness. lie
was the most neted scientist Of the present
day, owing TO his advocacy of the doctrine
Of origin Of species by natural selection,
which theory he first advanced in 1850, and
applied to mankind in 1871. Mr.. Darwin
was born In Shrewsbury, February -, 1900,
his father being physician. His GRANDPA
ther, DIR. Erasmus Darwin, was q popular
scientist and poet, and the latter's love for
the study of nature descended with increased
power 10 the grandson. Charles Darwin
graduated at Christ College, Cambridge, In
1881. His taste for natural science led TO
his being selected the same year as naturalist
for the expedition sent to the southern
oceans by the British Government. lie
sailed on the Beagle December q, 1881,
making complete voyage around the globe
and reaching home October %, 1896, the trip
thus lasting nearly five years. During the
expedition he was an indefatigable student
Of the various sections visited aud collected
many specimens. II was on this voyage that
be acquired many Of the facts which are re-
lied upon as evidences Of the truth of the
theory of evolution. His researches, discov-
cries, and conclusions formed part Of the
description Of the voyage, and ware afterward
published separately.
From the publication Of his "Origin Of
Species by Means Of Natural Selections" Mr..
Darwin began TO be listened to and watched
by vast number Of people who did not call
themselves scientists. He had begun a
course of education on scientific subjects
which attracted and interested the general |
public, and everything he has written since
In any prominent form has been largely |
looked for and read. To him we owe In n |
great measure the popularization Of subjects |
usually abstrusely placed before the |
public, and all his writing is characterized
by simple ease and grace Of expression that
make 10 pleasure TO read. How valuable
such style Of writing Is in scientific mat
tiers has been proved by the interest which
was later shown in Darwin's "The Ex-
preston Of the Emotions In Man and AMI
mails" which added fresh fuel to the scien-
tifc excitement created by his previous
worl.s. OF plants and flowers and all forms
OF natural life, Darwin has contributed val
liable theories, observations, and facts, and
nothing has been too minute or unimporant
for his study.
A Inst Of his books and the books written
by others upon the theories advanced by
by him, fills an octave pamphlet Of thirty
six pages and shows the names of three hum
dred and twelve authors. His last publica-
tion 10 one Of his most clarmingly written
and enjoyable. Il 10 "Earth Worms" and
Is replets not only with scientific informa-
ton, but with interesting details OF the hab-
ITS and customs Of those much despised but
useful inhabitants OF our gardens. II Is
written In Darwin's most fascinating style.
Mr.. Darwin's personal character was Of as
high standard a. his literary and scientific
attachments. In advancing bis theories he
fully and freely presented all the arguments
against them, himself showing what links
were missing In the chain OF evidence. He
searched for the truth, regardless of its eff
fects upon tie theories or ideas of himself
or others. He was modest In his claims,
gentle TO his opponents In literary and SCI
enti6c conflicts, kind-hearted In his personal
relations, q model combination Of strength
and sweetness. Carlyle, the sage Of Chelsea,
called him ian apostle Of the gospel Of Dirt"
because his doctrines place man upon the
same footing with all other matter in the
universe. But Carlyle, with all his grand
ideas OF manhood, had but little sympathy
Tor his fellow men, was decidedly unpleas-
ant - companion, and his books are of
little benefit 70 most people because written
IN turgid, ponderous style hard to under
Itand. Darwin, on the other hand, worked /
or the good OF the human race, was person d
lily companionsble, and wrote simply and 1
learly--for the million instead Of the few. d
And In thesc particulan he was fair repre- /
entativc Of tho leading scientific material
sts q this Aga fact that Is curious pug
10 70 persons who imagine that the dIsbe- Y
lever II any other existence for man must
: inhuman and nnnatural.