Unsung hero: John Edmonstone - The man who taught Darwin

Posted on: 5 February 2024 by Carl Larsen in February 2024 posts

Dr Carl Larsen is a Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences and tells us about an exhibition organised by staff and students to mark Race Equality Week (5-11 February) and Darwin Day (12 February).

In the annals of history, certain figures often take centre stage, while others remain in the shadows. One such unsung hero is John Edmonstone, a freed slave from Guyana, who played a role in the intellectual journey of none other than Charles Darwin.

Edmonstone, an accomplished taxidermist, found himself in Edinburgh in the early 19th century. It was here that he became an influential figure in the life of the young Charles Darwin, then a medical student at the University of Edinburgh. Edmonstone shared his knowledge of the natural world and, in particular, the art of taxidermy with Darwin.

However, it wasn't just the intricacies of preserving animals that Edmonstone imparted to Darwin; he also shared his experiences and insights into the natural world, particularly the rich biodiversity of the rainforests in Guyana. These lessons may have left an indelible mark on Darwin's developing scientific mind.

Darwin, in his later writings, acknowledged the impact of Edmonstone on his understanding of the diversity of species and the interconnectedness of life. Some argue that Edmonstone's teachings contributed to the formation of Darwin's revolutionary ideas on evolution and natural selection, which would later reshape our understanding of the origin of species.

Edmonstone's story reminds us of the often-overlooked contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds to the world of science. His influence on Darwin serves as a testament to the power of knowledge-sharing and the profound impact one person can have on the course of scientific history.

So, the next time we marvel at the ground-breaking theories of Charles Darwin, let's also take a moment to remember John Edmonstone, the man who, despite being relegated to the sidelines of history, may have played a role in shaping the scientific legacy that endures to this day.

The exhibit the picture above is taken from was designed by students from the DeCoL-SoLS-Advocates, working alongside myself, our libraries and the World Museum Liverpool, and is currently on display in the School of Life Sciences' (SoLS) foyer.

DeCoL-SoLS-Advocates is a staff and student led group that discusses ways the University can decolonise, be more inclusive and develop an anticolonial curriculum. Students have presented some of their work to our libraries and the Centre for Innovation in Education. Critically, it also provides an informal, safe space where black and brown students share experiences

Four exhibits have run for the last two academic years: Edmonstone and Darwin; Charles Turner; Henrietta Lacks and finally Onesimus and Lady Montagu - due to go on display in March 2024. Each of these exhibits promotes a different theme including how the contributions to science of many black and marginalised people are often obscured from history, the importance of recognising intersectionality when considering ethnicity, and scientific racism. Evaluation of the first two exhibits has been very favourable and the libraries has agreed to match fund the a further four exhibits over the next two years

If you would like to join this group or hear more about its work, please contact Carl Larsen clarsen@liverpool.ac.uk