Alfred Russel Wallace discovered natural selection independently
of Charles Darwin. Through his letters, available online for the
first time, he tells us of his research, expeditions and
enduring fascination for nature's mysteries. You are famously
joint author, with Darwin, of the first paper describing the
origin of species and natural selection, published in 1858. When
did you first get the idea? I begin [in 1847] to feel rather
dissatisfied with a mere local collection – little is to be
learnt by it. I sh[ould]d like to take some one family, to study
thoroughly – principally with a view to the theory of the origin
of species. By that means I am strongly of [the] opinion that
some definite results might be arrived at. This desire led you
to Brazil to collect birds, butterflies and beetles to try to
discover what drives the evolution of new species. Were there
any incidents on the voyage? On Friday the 6th of August … the
Captain (who was the owner of the vessel) came into the cabin &
said "I am afraid the