Alfred Russel Wallace: Biography and Contributions

Quick Facts

• Byname: A.R. Wallace
• Died: November 7, 1913, in Broadstone, Dorset, England (aged 90)

Key Questions

• What was Alfred Russel Wallace's early life like?
• How was Alfred Russel Wallace influential?
• What was Alfred Russel Wallace's legacy?

Background

• Born: January 8, 1823, in Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales.
• A British humanist, naturalist, geographer, and social critic.
• Known for his formulation of the theory of evolution by natural selection, predating Darwin’s contributions.
• Interests included socialism, spiritualism, island biogeography, and moral, social, and political values.

Early Life and Education

• Eighth of nine children in a family with modest means.
• Limited formal education  six years at Hertford Grammar School.
• Home environment rich in books and learning opportunities.
• Influenced by secular teachings and self-education in London.
• Developed religious skepticism and reformist political philosophy.

Career Development

• Worked as a surveyor with his brother William.
• Observed social injustices, documented experiences in an essay on South Wales farmers.
• Briefly taught at a boys’ school in Leicester.

Naturalist Career

• Inspired by natural history, including works by Swainson, Darwin, and Humboldt.
• Collaborated with Henry Walter Bates; traveled to Brazil in 1848 as specimen collectors.
• Extensive travels in the Amazon basin; most collections lost in a ship fire.
• Published scientific articles and books on his findings from the Amazon.

Malay Archipelago Expedition

• Spent 8 years (1854-1862) collecting specimens, writing on zoological subjects.
• Developed ideas on species origin, which he shared with Charles Darwin.
• Co-published with Darwin on natural selection in 1858.
• Developed the Wallace Line concept, demarcating species distribution.

Personal Life and Recognition

• Married Annie Mitten; had three children.
• Moved frequently, built three family homes.
• Financial struggles, income from writings and exam grading.
• Added to the Civil List in 1881 due to Darwin and Huxley’s efforts.

Scientific Contributions

• Authored standard works in zoogeography and island biogeography.
• Opposed vaccination, eugenics, vivisection; supported women’s rights and land nationalization.

Awards and Honors

• Received several medals and honorary doctorates.
• Published 21 books and over 700 articles.
• Known for his compassion and modesty.

Legacy

• Died in 1913, buried in Broadstone; commemorated in Westminster Abbey.
• Remembered as a gifted naturalist, committed socialist, and prolific writer.