In early September 1836, 'A Letter, Containing Remarks on the Moral State of Tahiti, New Zealand, &c' appeared in the South African Christian Recorder. This was the first paper published under Darwin’s name, albeit co-authored with FitzRoy. Another early publication emanated from his stay in Chile, where he observed the geological effects of the earthquake of 20 February 1835, including the destruction of the town of Concepción. The paper (on display) was read to the Geological Society of London on 4 January 1837. His friend Lyell was in the Presidential chair.
Charles Darwin, 'Observations of proofs of recent elevation on the coast of Chili', Proceedings of the Geological Society of London. Vol. II, No. 48 (1836-37), pp. 446-449. Leith Storage 550.5s.s.1
Darwin moved to Down House, Kent, in 1842, and spent much of his earlier career writing non-controversial scientific books. He spent eight years – two of which were lost to illness – working on the classification of barnacles (Cirripedia), of which there are some 1200 species known. Based on endless field-work and privileged access to the British Museum barnacles collection, the monograph earned Darwin the Royal Society’s Royal Medal in 1853, even before it was completely published.
____, A Monograph on the Sub-class Cirripedia with Figures of all the Species. London: The Ray Society, 1854. Leith Storage 3G6 RP-25
During the 1840s, Darwin wrote three separately-issued books that together constitute a 'Geology of the Beagle', namely Coral Reefs; Volcanic Islands; and South America. Proud of what he achieved, he wrote in the preface of Observations: 'They relate to parts of the world which have been so rarely visited by men of science, that I am unaware that much could be corrected or added...'. Indeed, South America provided crucial evidence for his belief that extinction of species was a natural process, and that species were not created supernaturally to preserve the balance of numbers. This is the second 'combined' edition of Volcanic Islands and South America.
____, Geological Observations on the Volcanic Islands and Parts of South America. 2nd ed. London: Smith, Elder, 1876. Science Library QE 3 D 6583
