England, 14th century. Charles Darwin has a difficult time studying medicine; he is revolted by the inhumanity of the teaching he receives and feels out of place. He dreams of devoting himself to his passion: natural history, to which he dedicates all his spare time. However, reports of his thirst for discovery reach the ears of his father, who tries to persuade him to become a clergyman. Darwin’s uncle, on the other hand, advises him to take a break. A Royal Navy ship, the Beagle, is about to sail to chart the coasts of South America. Why not take part in the voyage? Reluctantly, Darwin’s father agrees to allow his son to leave on a two-year voyage. However, the captain of the Beagle, who is fascinated by faces and superstitious, too, refuses to allow Darwin on board; according to him, the shape of Darwin’s nose indicates a lack of determination. At the eleventh hour, Darwin’s uncle manages to change the captain’s mind, and Darwin sails aboard the Beagle—a voyage that will eventually last five years and will revolutionize science. The naturalist spends most of his time on land. His methodical observations will establish his professional reputation. The body of his research will provide the source for Darwin’s theories on the evolution of species and natural selection, considered to be the origins of modern biology. The shape of Darwin’s nose almost prevented one of the greatest revolutions in the history of science.