The always excellent online archives of Charles Darwin’s writings have announced the release of his original notes online viewable by anyone for the first time. These notes were previously only accessible to scholars at Cambridge University's library. These are the first draft of Darwin's theory of evolution. The whole site is a fascinating way to while away time - its archives are vast and they say that if you read a page a minute, it would take over two months to get through their collection of his notes.

Check it out here if you have the time or inclination.

A great find Phil ... Darwin's theory on evolution has always been a fave subject of mine & the Galapagos Islands are on the top of my list of places to visit. I followed your link & took a peek at the site ... very interesting & I will check it out more indepthly later. Over two months? ... it will no doubt take me longer than that to read it all. Thanks again for the link.

Truly a fascinating site Phil.

My one caveat is that I wish or wished they had had you reworking the shots of his notes (some were horribly reproduced with terrible glare). I found the illustrations component a tad more enjoyable for that reason.

Having said that ... being able to view the man's handwritten observations ... is quite a visceral experience. Kind of feel ... if I allow myself to ... like I am peeking over Darwin's shoulder.

An incredible mind.

Thanks for the link, much appreciated.