Summary

The title page of Chapter 29, “Such a Noise,” includes a quote from Charles’s autobiography, about enjoying devoting his life to natural science. The chapter begins as Charles walked in on Lenny one day reading The Origin. His son George advocated for orchid experiments at school, while the girls stayed home and learned at home. Emma meanwhile, with more time as her children grew older, volunteered for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, advocating for a more humane animal trap. Emma and Charles also devoted themselves to their garden, Emma particularly involved.

While Charles’s theory continued to grow both admiration and controversy, his health continued to plague him. He continued to take water and ice cures. He also became fascinated with the facial expressions and emotions of humans. In 1867 he sent out a survey across the world about...