A history of the theory of evolution through natural selection

September 1838: Charles Darwin's reading of Malthus crystallises a notion of natural selection in his mind. Darwin works on the theory for 20 more years but holds back from publishing. February 1858: In the midst of malarial fever, Alfred Russel Wallace hits on natural selection as a driver of evolution. He drafts a 4,200 word essay outlining the theory from Ternate, Indonesia. April 1858: Wallace posts his essay to Charles Darwin in England by mail steamer. June 1858: Wallace's essay arrives at Darwin's home, Down House. Darwin sends it to the noted geologist Charles Lyell the same day. July 1858: Wallace's Ternate essay and extracts from Darwin's manuscripts are read at the Linnean Society of London. November 1859: Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species, the great work on evolution by natural selection. 2006: Darwin Online is launched. September 2012: Wallace Online is launched , bringing together his extensive collection of specimens and papers.