I’ve boarded the HMS Beagle (what a grand ship!) and found my quarters belowdecks. It’s very spacious, and I’m writing on a little desk that sits below the porthole. The Captain predicts that we’ll be on the sea for five or so years, and so I asked that I be immediately acquainted with these charming surroundings. And oh, dear reader, the circumstances that brought me to this place are quite momentous! I was invited just at the last week-end to journey with the acclaimed naturalist, Mr. Charles Robert Darwin. Mother tells me it’s because of the top marks I’ve been receiving at Miss Emily’s School for Girls. Mothers are always going on about top marks. I think it helps that I’m a distant cousin of Mr. Darwin’s (even if my cousinship is a few times removed).
Wait - what's this peculiar object?
Sorry for the interruption - I just made the most miraculous discovery! Something was hidden under my pillow, and when I went to investigate, I realized it was a scroll of parchment - and not just any old thing! It's in Darwin's own hand! Let me transcribe it for you:
Evolution (noun): the process of change by which new species develop from preexisting species over time.
Sounds absolutely thrilling! I cannot wait to ask Mr. Darwin about it. The Beagle cannot set sail any sooner!
Wait - what's this peculiar object?
Sorry for the interruption - I just made the most miraculous discovery! Something was hidden under my pillow, and when I went to investigate, I realized it was a scroll of parchment - and not just any old thing! It's in Darwin's own hand! Let me transcribe it for you:
Evolution (noun): the process of change by which new species develop from preexisting species over time.
Sounds absolutely thrilling! I cannot wait to ask Mr. Darwin about it. The Beagle cannot set sail any sooner!