Chapters in My Life

Published in 1889, this is the autobiography of clergyman, naturalist and zoologist Leonard Blomefield (originally Jenyns). He tells his life story, then shares a series of philosophical reflections and scientific anecdotes, including his decision to recommend Darwin instead of himself as the naturalist for the Beagle voyage.

Leonard Jenyns (1800–93; he changed his name late in life to benefit from a legacy), was a clergyman, and a respected naturalist and zoologist. A distinguished member of a dozen scientific societies, he was educated at Eton, and then at St John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1822. During his tenure as vicar in Swaffham Bulbeck, he made important contributions to zoology, becoming one of the original members of the Zoological Society of London. In 1831, unwilling to spend years away from his parish responsibilities, he turned down the chance to travel as the naturalist on-board H.M.S. Beagle. Published in 1889, this is the second edition of Jenyns' autobiography, which he had first had privately printed. It starts with the major events of his life, then shares a series of scientific anecdotes, including his decision to recommend Darwin instead of himself as the naturalist for the Beagle voyage.