Last impressions can be quite different from first impressions. Take Darwin’s first and last impression of the Galapagós Islands as an example.

Initially, the islands were far from fascinating: “Nothing could be less inviting than the first appearance. A broken field of black basaltic lava, thrown into the most rugged waves, and crossed by great fissures, is everywhere covered by stunted, sunburnt brushwood, which shows little signs of life.”

After 35 days on the island, however, Darwin gathered a range of specimens. The collection of specimens included tortoises, some weighing up to 500 pounds; iguanas—and the finches “mingled together.”

With surveying nearing completion and Captain FitzRoy ready to set sail, Darwin’s time on the islands was running out. Lamenting the brief stay, Darwin wrote a consolatory perspective: “It is the fate of every voyager, when he has just discovered what object in any place is more particularly worthy of his attention, to be hurried from it.”

Wondering—what impression Darwin would have on his theory of evolution today?