Listen to the Event
Speaker: Professor John Parker
Charles Darwin came to Cambridge University after a dismal year reading medicine at Edinburgh. At Cambridge he fell deeply under the influence of John Henslow, Professor of Botany, whose own vibrant research programme focussed on experimental studies of the nature of species. Such a close friendship grew between them that Darwin was known as "the man that walks with Henslow", and it was Henslow who recommended Darwin for the Beagle voyage. We will here explore the contribution of Henslow and his scientific colleagues in the University to the education of young Mr Darwin, and consider its lasting impact.
John Parker is Professor of Plant Cytogenetics at the University of Cambridge, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden and Curator of the University's Herbarium.
Lectures are free, and all are welcome to attend.