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Charles Darwin’s Notebooks, Including Iconic ‘Tree of Life’ Sketch, are Missing



Two of Charles Darwin’s notebooks are missing and the Cambridge University Library has recently announced a public appeal for help in locating the missing notebooks. One of the notebooks even contains Darwin’s iconic 1837 “Tree of Life” sketch.

“I am really sad to have to announce a public appeal for help in recovering two missing notebooks, one of which contains Charles Darwin’s iconic “Tree of Life” sketch. I am doing so because we need your help.”

– Dr. Jessica Gardner, University Librarian Cambridge and Director of Library Services, University Library

Source: Cambridge University Library (the UL)| YouTube

After the largest search in the library’s history has been conducted, the University of Cambridge revelated that it was found out that the notebooks which were first listed as missing in January 2001 are likely to have been stolen.

“It is deeply regretful to me that these notebooks remain missing despite numerous wide-scale searches over the past 20 years including the largest search in the library’s history earlier this year,” said Dr. Gardner, the University Librarian, in the appeal.

The disappearance of the notebooks has already been recorded on the national Art Loss Register for missing cultural artifacts. And according to Dr. Gardner, they are now working with Cambridgeshire Police and other national experts to recover the notebooks.

“Your help could be critical in seeing the notebooks safely returned and I would ask everyone who thinks they may know of the notebooks’ whereabouts to get in touch. Please help,” the University Librarian added.

Charles Darwin’s Notebooks

Source: Cambridge University Library (the UL)| YouTube

One of the missing notebooks was where Darwin’s “Tree of Life” sketch is and the other one was where he develops his theory in terms of geographical distribution, the origin of humans, and classification by descent.

The manuscript notebooks were stored in a bespoke blue box. “The notebooks written by Darwin 1837 after his return from voyages on the HMS Beagle were kept in blue boxes,” described Dr. Gardner.

How to Help in the Recovery of the Notebooks

Source: Cambridge University Library (the UL)| YouTube

Cambridge University Library is home to one of the most significant collections of Darwin material in the world and they are determined to do everything possible to recover the missing notebooks. Dr. Gardner appealed to everyone who thinks that they may know of the notebooks’ whereabouts to get in touch.

“We would be hugely grateful to hear from everyone with information that might assist in their recovery. Someone, somewhere, may be able to help us return these notebooks to their proper place at the heart of the UK’s Cultural and Scientific Heritage.”

– Dr. Jessica Gardner, University Librarian Cambridge and Director of Library Services, University Library

Those who have any information that might help may email the Cambridge University Library through this email address: [email protected]

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Source: Cambridge University| Cambridge University Libraries, Science Alert, Cambridge University Library (the UL)| YouTube, Cambridge University Library| Twitter

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