Charles Darwin and Race

[QuentinDeakin]

The main item of the society's meeting on September 18th 2023 was a talk entitled 'Darwin and Race' by Dr Tony Lyons, a wide-ranging and stimulating account of the life and work of Charles Darwin. Considered a poor student during his early education, Darwin became a brilliant and extraordinary scientist, whose findings and theories were to have a profound and challenging effect on his contemporaries and on the beliefs and culture of our present-day society. No detail was too small or insignificant for his study of the natural world and its species nor did he shy away from the wider implications of his conclusions, which remain controversial in some quarters. Tony also explored Darwin's local connections in our area of Wales. Many questions followed the talk, which led to a lively discussion. Tony was warmly thanked for his enlightening and enjoyable talk which transported his audience from the creation of the shipping forecast and the voyage of the Beagle to a small graveyard in Corris.