Lamarck's Evolution

The fascinating story of two men, 200 years apart, who risked ridicule and ruin for the ideas they believed in.

In 18th-century France Jean Baptiste de Lamarck ignored scientific tradition and developed the first theory of evolution.

But 50 years later Charles Darwin published his own work and Lamarck became a laughing stock.

Contemporary academic Ted Steele was similarly mocked and nearly ruined for supporting Lamarck's idea that inherited characteristics could be passed on.

Now cutting edge discoveries have vindicated him at last.

Their story is a rollercoaster ride of intelligence, stubborn vision, despair and vindication.