Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used the manuscript of "On the Origin of Species" as a canvas for their drawings. These doodles, discovered by historian Mario A. Di Gregorio, range from childish scribbles to more elaborate scenes of battling vegetables and fantastical creatures, transforming some pages into vibrant palimpsests. These markings offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life and reveal that the groundbreaking scientific work also served a more mundane purpose in the household.
In a delightful intersection of scientific history and familial whimsy, the 2014 blog post from The Appendix, entitled "Darwin's children drew all over the “On the Origin of Species” manuscript," delves into the charmingly defaced state of Charles Darwin's groundbreaking work. The article highlights the human side of the renowned naturalist, revealing that his children, much like any others, saw blank spaces not as sacrosanct scientific territory, but as canvases for their youthful creativity. Far from being pristine relics, the manuscript pages of On the Origin of Species, a work that revolutionized biological understanding, bear the indelible marks of childish imagination – doodles, sketches, and even full-blown artistic endeavors. The post showcases specific examples of these artistic interventions, drawing attention to drawings of prancing horses, whimsical faces, and most remarkably, scenes of battling vegetables, a testament to the unrestrained imagination of Darwin’s offspring. These drawings, far from diminishing the importance of the manuscript, add a layer of personal history, demonstrating that even within the hallowed halls of scientific pursuit, the joys and chaos of family life find their way. The article emphasizes the juxtaposition of the weighty scientific theories contained within the pages and the lighthearted, innocent additions contributed by Darwin’s children. This intermingling serves as a poignant reminder that even monumental scientific achievements are produced within the context of everyday life, a life which, in Darwin’s case, was clearly filled with the vibrant energy of a bustling family. The post implicitly suggests that these markings, rather than being viewed as defacements, should be cherished as endearing testaments to the human element present even within the seemingly austere world of scientific inquiry. They provide a unique window into the domestic life of a scientific giant, humanizing Darwin and reminding us that even revolutionary figures are, at their core, parents navigating the joys and challenges of raising children.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43706037
HN commenters largely enjoyed the whimsical nature of Darwin's children's drawings on his manuscript, seeing it as a humanizing touch to a monumental scientific work. Some pointed out the irony of Darwin's serious work being defaced with childish depictions of battles between vegetables, while others saw it as a testament to the book's enduring influence, even within his own family. A few commenters noted the high quality of the drawings, speculating about the artistic talents of Darwin's children. One commenter linked to a digitized version of the manuscript, allowing others to explore the drawings firsthand. There's also a brief discussion about the practicality of using such valuable documents as scrap paper, highlighting the different perspectives on historical artifacts.
The Hacker News post titled "Darwin's children drew all over the “On the Origin of Species” manuscript (2014)" has several comments discussing the article about Darwin's children's drawings in his manuscript.
Several commenters express delight and amusement at the drawings, seeing them as a charming glimpse into the Darwin family life and a humanizing touch to the famous scientist. One commenter notes how the drawings add a layer of warmth to Darwin, showcasing him not just as a brilliant mind but also a loving father who allowed his children to engage with his work, even if that meant doodling on a crucial manuscript.
Some commenters delve into speculation about the context of the drawings. One suggests that letting the children draw on the manuscript might have been a way for Darwin to occupy them while he worked, a relatable scenario for many parents. Another wonders if the drawings were done on discarded drafts rather than the final manuscript, indicating a practical awareness of the importance of the document.
A few comments focus on the historical aspect. One commenter expresses fascination with the physicality of historical documents and the tangible connection they offer to the past, amplified in this case by the children's additions. Another contemplates the historical significance of such seemingly trivial details, wondering if future historians might similarly analyze doodles on digital documents.
One commenter mentions a similar occurrence with Isaac Newton's writings, highlighting a pattern of children interacting with their famous parents' work.
There's also a technical discussion about the type of ink used by Darwin, with speculation about whether it would have been easily smudged by small hands.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixture of appreciation for the human side of history, curiosity about Darwin's family life, and contemplation about the preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts. They paint a picture of a community intrigued by the intersection of the monumental and the mundane, finding joy in the unexpected details that emerge from the past.