April 18, 1802

Erasmus Darwin was a country doctor and scientist, and his grandson was Charles Darwin.The grandfather was a noted researcher and his Zoonomia, anticipates the questions his grandson would investigate. Erasmus Darwin was very fond of cats and his speculation about what causes the pattern of black and white on cats is one question he addresses in his Zoonomia. Darwin wonders if the white on a black and white cat isn't caused by the postioning of the kitten in the womb. Darwin died on April 18, 1802, before the birth of his famous grandson.