From a letter by Charles Darwin, dated August 31, 1831, restating his father’s objections to his proposed trip on the HMS Beagle.

1. Disreputable to my character as a Clergyman hereafter.
2. A wild scheme.
3. That they must have offered to many others before me the place of Naturalist.
4. And from its not being accepted, there must be some serious objection to the vessel or expedition.
5. That I should never settle down to a steady life hereafter.
6. That my accommodations would be most uncomfortable.
7. That Dr. Darwin [his father] should consider it as again changing my profession.
8. That it would be a useless undertaking.