Darwin Discovers The Secrets of Life
![Photograph of Charles Darwin aged about 65 taken by his son Leonard](https://www.onthisday.com/images/articles/charles-robert-darwin.jpg)
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Historical Events
HMS Beagle Departs
HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin on board departs England for a survey of South America, a voyage Darwin later said "determined my whole career"
Famous Birthdays
- Lucius Fairchild, American politician, diplomat, and Brigadier General (Union Army), born in Kent, Ohio (d. 1896)
About December 27, 1831
Calendar: Gregorian
Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 192 years, 6 months and 16 days
Leap Year: No
Star Sign: Capricorn