Robert Darwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Darwin
|
|
|---|---|
Robert Darwin, from an oil painting by James Pardon (1811–1829)
|
|
| Born |
Robert Waring Darwin
30 May 1766 |
| Died | 13 November 1848 (aged 82) |
| Burial place | St Chad's Church, Montford, Shropshire |
| Occupation | Medical doctor |
| Spouse(s) |
Susannah Wedgwood
(m. 1796; died 1817) |
| Children | Marianne Parker Caroline Wedgwood Susan Darwin Erasmus Alvey Darwin Charles Darwin Emily Langton |
| Parent(s) | Erasmus Darwin Mary Howard |
| Relatives | See Darwin–Wedgwood family |
Robert Waring Darwin FRS (born May 30, 1766 – died November 13, 1848) was an English medical doctor. Today, he is best known as the father of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. He was also a member of the important Darwin–Wedgwood family.
Contents
Robert Darwin's Early Life and Education
Robert Darwin was born in Lichfield. His father was the doctor Erasmus Darwin, and his mother was Mary Howard. Robert was named after his uncle, Robert Waring Darwin of Elston. Sadly, his mother passed away in 1770 when he was very young.
In 1783, Robert began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He then went to Leiden University in the Netherlands for a few months. He earned his medical degree there in 1785. His work at Leiden was very good and was even published. Robert also studied with many leading teachers in Edinburgh. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1788. This is a big honor for scientists.
Starting a Medical Career
In 1787, when Robert was still under 21, he started his medical practice in Shrewsbury. This was the main town in Shropshire. A family story says his father gave him only £20 to start. But Robert quickly became successful.
He gained attention after helping a bookseller's wife in Wellington. She was very ill, and her usual doctor was away. Robert was called in and had to decide on her treatment quickly. Even though she passed away, Robert showed that the other doctor had been treating her for the wrong illness. This helped his reputation. Within just six months, he had many patients. After two years, he had a very large practice.
Smart Investments and Family Life
Robert Darwin was also good with money. He used small inheritances from his mother and an aunt to buy houses in Shrewsbury. He earned money from renting them out. He also invested in big projects like the Trent and Mersey Canal. He also put money into the London to Holyhead road. These were important parts of the Industrial Revolution.
.jpg)
Robert's father and his friend Josiah Wedgwood had planned for Robert to marry Josiah's daughter, Susannah. Josiah Wedgwood was a famous pottery maker. Josiah passed away in 1795, leaving Susannah a lot of money. By then, Robert was doing very well as a doctor. They got married on April 18, 1796.
Their first child, Marianne, was born in their home at The Crescent. Robert then bought land near the River Severn. He built a large red-brick house there around 1800. This house was called The Mount. All their other children were born there. Robert loved the big garden at The Mount. He planted many beautiful trees and shrubs. He was also very good at growing fruit trees.
Robert Darwin was a very tall man, about 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters). He was also very heavy. He reportedly stopped weighing himself when he reached 24 stone (about 153 kg). He even needed special stone steps built for him to get into his carriage!
Robert valued his own education in Edinburgh. Because of this, he sent his son Charles to study there too. At first, Robert did not want Charles to join the survey voyage of HMS Beagle. But Charles eventually convinced him to let him go.
Robert Darwin's Scientific Discoveries
Robert Darwin was the first to show that our eyes make tiny movements. These movements happen even when we try to keep our eyes perfectly still. He found this out while studying afterimages. Afterimages are what you see after looking at a bright color. He noticed that when a person tried to stare at a colored circle, a clear edge appeared on the white paper next to it. He realized this happened because the eye was moving slightly.
Robert Darwin's Family
On April 18, 1796, Robert Darwin married Susannah Wedgwood. She was the daughter of the famous pottery maker Josiah Wedgwood. They were married in London and had six children:
- Marianne Darwin (1798–1858), who married Henry Parker in 1824.
- Caroline Sarah Darwin (1800–1888), who married her cousin Josiah Wedgwood III.
- Susan Elizabeth Darwin (1803–1866), who never married.
- Erasmus Alvey Darwin (1804–1881).
- Charles Robert Darwin (1809–1882), who became a world-famous naturalist.
- Emily Catherine Darwin (1810–1866), who married Charles Langton in 1863.
Robert, his wife Susannah, and their daughter Susan are all buried at St Chad's Church, near Shrewsbury.
