Charles Darwin, Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms, 1881

In 1859, Charles Darwin (1809-1882) published one of the world's most influential books, On the Origin of Species. His claim that the evolution of new species occurred by the process he called natural selection emerged from the grander view of nature as an economical circulation of matter (that he learned in part from his grandfather Erasmus). In his Worms, Charles discussed the important role worms play in cycling matter through nature and to the benefit of plants: “The entire superficial bed of vegetable mould passes through heir bodies every few years.” Worms prepare the ground in an excellent manner for the growth of plants of all kinds.” They mingle the mould together like a gardener who prepares fine soil for his choicest plants.” (pp. 305-313)