Reviving Henslow's Legacy: Cambridge University Launches New Botany Course

Cambridge University has uncovered plant specimens and teaching materials from the archive of Professor John Stevens Henslow, who significantly influenced Charles Darwin's early education in botany. These materials, which include rare watercolours and illustrations, will be utilized for the first time in a new botany course aimed at contemporary students. Henslow, who taught Darwin in the 1820s, introduced him to the concept of variation in plant species, laying the groundwork for Darwin's later theories on evolution. Dr. Raphaella Hull, acting head of learning for Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG), noted that Henslow's innovative teaching methods involved hands-on experiences, such as field excursions to observe plants in their natural habitats.

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The decline of botany as a stand-alone degree in the UK has created a significant gap in students' understanding of plant science. Prof. Sam Brockington, curator at CUBG, emphasized that many students lack the necessary language and conceptual framework to describe plant diversity. In response, CUBG is launching a four-week summer course that revives Henslow's pedagogical spirit. The course will incorporate original teaching materials and techniques used by Henslow, including fieldwork similar to what Darwin experienced. Brockington stated, “We designed what we felt was the ideal four-week immersive programme in botany,” highlighting the overlap with Henslow's curriculum.

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Dr. Hull pointed out that modern plant scientists often focus on cellular processes, which can lead to a siloed understanding of plant biology. She stressed the importance of recognizing plant morphology and diversity in the context of biodiversity loss and climate change. Hull noted that students frequently express a desire to improve their species-identification skills, which are crucial for assessing habitat conditions globally. The revival of Henslow's teaching methods aims to equip students with these essential skills.

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Henslow's influence on Darwin extended beyond the classroom; he recommended Darwin for the position of "gentleman naturalist" aboard HMS Beagle, a pivotal moment in Darwin's career. Their enduring friendship and collaboration underscore the importance of mentorship in scientific education. Brockington remarked on Henslow's pioneering use of illustrations in teaching, likening it to delivering modern PowerPoint presentations. The new course aims to inspire students by connecting them with the historical methods that shaped Darwin's foundational work in natural history.

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CUBG officials have expressed optimism about the new course's potential to revitalize interest in botany. Prof. Brockington stated, “We see it as the foundation” for future discoveries, echoing Henslow's belief in the essential role of botany in scientific inquiry.

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• “When Darwin came to Cambridge, he studied botany formally for the first time. He enjoyed Henslow’s course so much that he took it three years in a row,” — Dr. Raphaella Hull, Acting Head of Learning, CUBG

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• “I fully believe a better man never walked this Earth,” — Charles Darwin on John Stevens Henslow

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• “If we don’t have botanists who are able to read the environment and the species within them, we don’t have a good way of understanding the condition of habitats across the world,” — Dr. Raphaella Hull, CUBG

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• “It’s like standing on the shoulders of giants.” — Prof. Sam Brockington, CUBG Curator

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The new botany course at Cambridge University not only honors the legacy of Henslow and Darwin but also seeks to fill a critical educational gap in understanding plant science today.

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