One of Britain's most famous naturalists and geologists, Charles Darwin developed and proved a theory that changed the world's view. Darwin was best known for his theory of evolution. One of the main ideas of his theory was natural selection (“Charles Darwin”). He traveled the world studying different specimens and noting their similarities and differences. He believed that all living things gradually evolved from common ancestors. He wrote many novels, such as On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection, which explained more about his theory and ideas on evolution (Coyne 23). Charles Darwin impacted and contributed to the theory of evolution, and is still admirable for his work to this day. Charles Robert Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, on February 12, 1809. His parents were Robert and Susanna Darwin. Darwin was the second youngest of six children (“Charles Darwin”). He descended from a long line of scientists, including his grandfather Erasmus Darwin, who was a physician and naturalist (Coyne 23). At the age of 16 he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. He came to Edinburgh to study medicine, but hated surgery and this made him a failure as a medical student ("Famous Scientist"). He eventually left Edinburgh in 1828 and became a student at Christ's College and graduated in 1831. He married his cousin, Emma Wedgwood, in 1838 and had a total of ten children. Darwin was soon sent to travel the world. After school, Darwin was able to pursue his interest by sailing around the world by ship. His mentor, John Stevens Henslow, sent him on the Beagle HMS (His/Her Majesty Ship) with Robert Fitzroy. Robert Fitzroy was a Royal Navy officer and scientist who also wanted to travel... middle of paper... eventually died on 19 April 1882. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London, to be perceived as a national hero. Overall, Charles Darwin had a theory and proved that animals and plants evolved in an orderly and evolving manner. He lived an extraordinary life traveling, studying and discovering on HMS Beagle and the Galapagos Islands. Darwin believed that evolution occurred due to natural selection, also known as survival of the fittest. Many people disagreed with his theory of evolution because it went against all religious thoughts about creation. However, the scientist believed that this was the beginning of biology. Darwin died at the age of 74, leaving behind his theory and ideas, but remained a well-known hero. Becoming one of the greatest scientists of all time, Charles Darwin developed and proved a theory that changed the world's view.