The Voyage of the Beagle · Chapter
Northern Chile and Peru explained
Darwin travels northward from Valparaiso through the coastal deserts and mining districts of Chile, observing the barren landscape, the effects of earthquakes, and the ruins of ancient Indian civilizations.
What happens
Darwin travels northward from Valparaiso through the coastal deserts and mining districts of Chile, observing the barren landscape, the effects of earthquakes, and the ruins of ancient Indian civilizations. He discusses the possible change of climate due to land elevation, the remarkable irrigation works of the Peruvians, and a case where an earthquake uplifted a riverbed, turning a fertile plain into a desert. He also notes the prevalence of hydrophobia in certain valleys and reflects on the antiquity of the human race in South America.
Themes in this chapter
Geological Uniformitarianism
Darwin observes the gradual elevation of the land over centuries, as evidenced by raised sea-beaches at Valparaiso and Lima, and discusses how such slow changes affect climate and landscape.
Human Impact on Environment
The ancient Peruvians' extensive irrigation systems, including tunnels through solid rock, and how their neglect led to desertification of once-fertile plains.
Exploration and Discovery
Darwin's independent overland journey through remote and barren regions of Chile, collecting fossils and observing geological formations.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Gill
A civil engineer in Lima who discussed with Darwin the possible causes of climate change and the ancient irrigation systems of the Peruvians.
- Captain Fitz Roy
Offered to pick up Darwin at Copiapó in the Beagle.
- Azara
Mentioned as having never heard of hydrophobia in South America during his time.
- Ulloa
Mentioned as having never heard of hydrophobia in South America during his time.
- Mr. Burchell
Cited as stating that during five years at the Cape of Good Hope he never heard of an instance of hydrophobia.
Key passages
“Is it not most wonderful that men should have attempted such operations, without the use of iron or gunpowder?”
Darwin marvels at the ancient Peruvians' ability to construct irrigation tunnels through solid rock without modern tools.
Reflects on the ingenuity of pre-Columbian engineering.
“We here have unequivocal evidence that a ridge had been uplifted right across the old bed of a stream. From the moment the river-course was thus arched, the water must necessarily have been thrown back, and a new channel formed. From that moment, also, the neighbouring plain must have lost its fertilizing stream, and become a desert.”
Darwin describes how an earthquake uplifted a ridge across a river, diverting its flow and turning a fertile plain into a desert.
Illustrates the dramatic impact of geological events on human settlements.
“I found the most ready way of explaining my employment, was to ask them how it was that they themselves were not curious concerning earthquakes and volcanos?—why some springs were hot and others cold?—why there were mountains in Chile, and not a hill in La Plata?”
Darwin explains his geological work to locals by asking them about natural phenomena they themselves wonder about.
Shows Darwin's method of engaging with local people and justifying his scientific inquiries.