William Charles Wells

Scottish-American physician and scientist

William Charles Wells (24 May 1757 – 18 September 1817) was a Scottish-American physician and scientist who is best known for his early work on the concept of natural selection. His contributions to medicine and science were significant during his time, and his ideas predated some of the theories later popularized by Charles Darwin.

Early Life and Education

William Charles Wells was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to a Scottish family. His father, Robert Wells, was a printer and bookseller, and his mother, Mary Wells, was of Scottish descent. Wells was sent to Scotland for his education, where he attended the University of Edinburgh, a leading institution for medical studies at the time.

Medical Career

Wells returned to Charleston to practice medicine but soon moved to London to further his career. In London, he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians and established himself as a respected physician. His medical practice was noted for its scientific approach, and he was involved in various medical societies.

Scientific Contributions

Wells is perhaps best known for his work on the theory of natural selection. In 1813, he presented a paper to the Royal Society titled "An Account of a White Female, Part of Whose Skin Resembles that of a Negro," which was later published in 1818. In this paper, Wells discussed the idea that different human populations had adapted to their environments through natural selection, a concept that was revolutionary at the time.

Natural Selection

Wells's paper is considered one of the earliest articulations of the principle of natural selection. He suggested that the darker skin of some human populations was an adaptation to the hot climates in which they lived, providing an early example of evolutionary thinking applied to humans. This work was largely overlooked during his lifetime but gained recognition after the publication of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species."

Other Scientific Work

In addition to his work on natural selection, Wells made contributions to other scientific fields. He conducted experiments on dew and published "An Essay on Dew" in 1814, which earned him the Rumford Medal from the Royal Society. His work on dew was pioneering in the study of meteorology and atmospheric science.

Later Life and Legacy

Wells continued to practice medicine and engage in scientific research until his death in 1817. His contributions to science, particularly his early insights into natural selection, have been recognized as foundational in the field of evolutionary biology. Wells's work laid the groundwork for future scientists and remains a significant part of the history of science.

Related Pages

• Charles Darwin
• Natural selection
• University of Edinburgh
• Royal Society

Old Serjeants' Inn, where Wells may have worked