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Today in History: Darwin inspired to publish evolution theory by Wallace

6/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 18, 1858, Charles Darwin received a manuscript from Alfred Russel Wallace outlining the theory of natural selection. This prompted Darwin to publish his own groundbreaking ideas on evolution, culminating in his 1859 work, "On the Origin of Species." Their collaboration significantly advanced the understanding of evolutionary biology.

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Story summary

On June 18, 1858, Charles Darwin received a manuscript from Alfred Russel Wallace outlining the theory of natural selection. This prompted Darwin to publish his own groundbreaking ideas on evolution, culminating in his 1859 work, "On the Origin of Species." Their collaboration significantly advanced the understanding of evolutionary biology.