Ep 34. Darwin's Secret Notebooks

Darwin's Secret Notebooks is a fascinating episode from season 2009 of National Geographic Documentaries. The episode explores the life and work of Charles Darwin, one of the most influential scientists in history, and delves into his private writings and notes that were only recently discovered.

The episode begins with an overview of Darwin's life and work. Born in England in 1809, Darwin was an avid naturalist from a young age. He famously embarked on a five-year journey aboard the HMS Beagle, during which he collected specimens and made observations that would later help him develop his theory of evolution.

However, Darwin was not always forthcoming with his ideas, and it wasn't until 1859 that he published On the Origin of Species, in which he presented his theory of natural selection. This groundbreaking work caused a sensation and forever changed the way people think about life on Earth.

The episode then turns its attention to Darwin's secret notebooks, which were discovered in the 1970s but were not properly examined until recently. These notebooks contain many of Darwin's private thoughts and musings, as well as sketches and diagrams that he used to develop his theories.

The notebooks reveal that Darwin was a meticulous observer of the natural world and was constantly questioning and testing his ideas. He was also deeply concerned about how his work would be received by the public and by his fellow scientists, and often hesitated to share his ideas with even his closest friends and colleagues.

One of the highlights of the episode is a visit to Darwin's home in the English countryside. Here, we see the very room in which he worked on his notebooks, and we hear from experts who have studied the notebooks in depth.

We also learn about some of the surprising discoveries that have been made from the notebooks. For example, it was recently discovered that Darwin was working on a theory of how emotions evolved in animals, a subject that has only recently begun to receive serious scientific attention.

Throughout the episode, we hear from scientists and historians who discuss the impact of Darwin's work on their fields, as well as the ongoing relevance of his ideas today. We also see stunning footage of the natural world, including the animals and landscapes that Darwin observed during his travels.

In the end, Darwin's Secret Notebooks is a fascinating look at one of history's greatest scientific figures. It provides a unique glimpse into the mind of a brilliant scientist as he worked to develop one of the most important scientific theories of all time. Anyone with an interest in science, history, or the natural world will find this episode to be a must-see.