University of Otago philosopher Prof Alan Musgrave and a series of other leading scholars and scientists, including zoologist Prof Lloyd Davis, geologist Prof Ewan Fordyce and medical historian Dr Ted Nye, yesterday gave talks on aspects of Darwin's life, scientific thought, and health, at the day-long symposium at Knox College.
About 80 people attended the symposium, which was organised on behalf of the Friends of Knox College and titled "Aspects of Darwin: A Bicentennial Celebration".
The gathering celebrated this year's 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his major work, On the Origin of Species.
The college is also celebrating its centenary this year.
Dunedin scientist Dr David Galloway, who is a Knox Fellow, organised the event with the college bursar, Alice Baxter, and Hewitson librarian John Timmins.
The photograph of Darwin, taken late in his life by his son, Major Leonard Darwin, was gifted to the symposium by its Christchurch-based patron, botanist Dr Eric Godley.
Dr Godley had explained that after serving overseas with the New Zealand Army during World War 2, he had begun studying for a PhD in plant genetics at Cambridge University, England.
He had found accommodation at Cambridge in a house owned by the poet Frances Cornford (nee Darwin), who was the grand-daughter of Charles Darwin.
Her husband and son having died, she was bringing up her young grandson alone and requested Dr Godley's help to teach the boy how to play sport and defend himself.
In return for his help, she gave the New Zealander the photograph of Darwin, and inscribed a note on the back.
The photograph is to be safeguarded in perpetuity at the Otago University library.
Dr Galloway said yesterday's gathering had been a success.
Prof Nicola Peart, who chaired one of the sessions, said she was impressed by the high quality and enthusiasm of the speakers.
The conference was opened by Otago University Emeritus Prof George Petersen and closed by Margaret Austin, Royal Society of New Zealand vice-president and former science minister.
