Agiant among scientists, Charles Darwins voyage aboard the Beagle inthe early 19th century changed the face of natural history forever. His thirstfor knowledge,breadth of understand- ing and depth of insight has been an inspiration to scientists, explorersand travellers for generations. Darwins visit to the Galápagos archipelago in 1835 was keytohis formulation of his theory of evolution,whichtransformed our understanding ofthe natural world, and Mans placeinit. Although he only spenta few weeks among theislands, his appreciation for them was enduring. He called the archipelagoa world within itself. CHARLESDARWIN ...Bothin space andtime, weseem to be brought somewhat near to that \\great fact—thatmystery ofmysteries —the first appearance of new beings on thisearth. Charles Darwin onthe Galápagos Islands, in Voyage of the Beagle