On the 18th of June, 1858, Charles Darwin received a paper from Alfred Russell Wallace which prompted Darwin to publish his own theory on evolution. In the grand tapestry of scientific history, certain figures stand prominently, commanding widespread recognition. Charles Darwin, with his groundbreaking work on the theory of evolution by natural selection, is undoubtedly one of these. However, it is crucial to acknowledge another pivotal figure in this narrative: Alfred Russel Wallace. Though not as widely known, Wallace played an instrumental role in shaping evolutionary theory, working independently yet contemporaneously with Darwin to arrive at similar conclusions about the natural world.
Wallace was born on the 8th of January, 1823, in Usk, Monmouthshire, in what is now Wales. His early years were marked by financial struggle, yet he harboured a profound curiosity for the natural world. This curiosity eventually led him to embark on a series of explorations, predominantly in the Amazon River basin and the Malay Archipelago. These voyages were not merely adventures but rather scientific expeditions that would lay the foundation for his later theories.
It was during his time in the Malay Archipelago, specifically in 1858, that Wallace drafted an essay detailing his observations on the divergence of species. Stricken with malaria, Wallace’s fevered reflections crystallised into insights remarkably similar to those Darwin had been developing for nearly two decades. Wallace’s essay, titled “On the Tendency of Varieties to Depart Indefinitely from the Original Type,” proposed a mechanism of natural selection as the driving force behind evolution.
Wallace sent his essay to Darwin, unaware of the latter’s hesitation to publish his own findings for fear of public and scientific backlash. This correspondence was the catalyst for what is now known as the famous joint presentation of the theory of evolution by natural selection to the Linnean Society of London in July 1858. Darwin’s colleagues, Sir Charles Lyell and Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, orchestrated the presentation, which included Wallace’s essay and an excerpt from Darwin’s unpublished work. This collaborative revelation was a decisive moment in the history of science.
Despite his significant contribution, Wallace’s name often recedes into the shadow cast by Darwin’s later publication of “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. However, Wallace did not fade into obscurity. He continued to make profound contributions to the fields of biogeography and zoology, earning accolades and respect from peers across disciplines. His extensive studies in the Malay Archipelago led to the formulation of the Wallace Line, a boundary that demarcates the distinct faunal differences between Asia and Australasia, further cementing his legacy in the field of biogeography.
Wallace’s philosophy and scientific approach were notably collaborative and humble. Unlike Darwin, who had the privilege of wealth and status, Wallace’s scientific endeavours were often self-funded through the sale of his collected specimens. His experiences in remote landscapes and his interactions with diverse cultures deeply influenced his worldview, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and respect for indigenous knowledge systems.
In addition to his scientific pursuits, Wallace was a prolific writer and public speaker, actively engaging in discussions on social and ethical issues. He was an advocate for social reform and was vocal about the potential ethical implications of evolutionary theory, particularly concerning human societies. His insights into the interconnectedness of social, economic, and ecological systems were ahead of their time, resonating with contemporary discussions on sustainability and conservation.
Wallace’s relationship with Darwin was one of mutual respect and admiration. Despite the potential for rivalry, Wallace always deferred to Darwin, whom he regarded as more knowledgeable. This deference was reciprocated by Darwin, who consistently acknowledged Wallace’s contributions in his subsequent writings.