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The Darwin Library

The Darwin Library

Written by: Charles Darwin
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In this library of natural inquiry, the works of Charles Darwin are read in full, that the patient listener may accompany him across seas, gardens, islands, and fields of observation. From the voyage of the Beagle to the intricate contrivances of orchids, from the descent of man to the humble labour of worms, these volumes reveal a world not fixed and silent, but ever changing, connected, and wonderfully adapted.Public domain Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 15 - Passage of the Cordillera Part 2

    The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 15 - Passage of the Cordillera Part 2
    Jul 17 2026
    In which the arduous journey across the lofty Andes reveals striking contrasts in vegetation and wildlife between eastern and western valleys, while the transparent atmosphere and geological wonders, such as petrified trees and volcanic formations, deepen the sense of nature’s vast transformations. The passage is marked by vivid impressions of vast plains, swarms of locusts, and the hardy life of frontier settlements, all observed with careful attention to the interplay of climate, landscape, and living creatures.
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    30 mins
  • The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 15 - Passage of the Cordillera Part 1

    The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 15 - Passage of the Cordillera Part 1
    Jul 16 2026
    In which I undertake a rigorous crossing of the lofty Cordillera near Valparaiso, observing the behaviour of mules, the striking geological features of the mountain ranges, and the gradual upheaval of the land evidenced by marine fossils and terraces of stratified shingle. Along the way, I note the peculiar flora and atmospheric conditions at great altitude, the sagacity of animals guiding the caravan, and the rugged yet hospitable nature of this remote region’s inhabitants.
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    28 mins
  • The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 14 - Chiloe and Concepcion: Great Earthquake Part 2

    The Voyage of the Beagle Chapter 14 - Chiloe and Concepcion: Great Earthquake Part 2
    Jul 15 2026
    In which the vivid and unsettling effects of a powerful earthquake and ensuing great wave on the towns and surrounding islands of Chile are observed with careful attention to geological and human detail. The narrative explores both the immediate destruction and the enduring physical changes wrought upon the land, suggesting profound insights into the subterranean forces at play beneath the earth's surface.
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    27 mins
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