Certainly! Here are a few examples of famous self-taught scientists:
Michael Faraday: Faraday, an English scientist, made significant contributions to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. He was largely self-taught and worked as an assistant to Humphry Davy at the Royal Institution. Faraday's experiments and discoveries paved the way for the development of electric generators, transformers, and the concept of electromagnetic induction.
Benjamin Franklin: Franklin was an American polymath who made notable contributions to various fields, including physics, electricity, and meteorology. Despite receiving only a basic formal education, he conducted experiments on electricity and invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. Franklin's work laid the foundation for understanding the nature of electricity.
George Washington Carver: Carver was an African-American scientist and inventor known for his work in agricultural science. Born into slavery, Carver pursued education against significant odds. He became a prominent botanist and developed techniques for soil conservation and crop rotation. Carver's research on peanuts and sweet potatoes contributed to agricultural sustainability and the improvement of farming practices.
Marie Curie: Curie, a Polish-born physicist and chemist, conducted pioneering research on radioactivity. While she did receive some formal education, her most significant contributions were the result of her independent study and research. Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry).
Charles Darwin (as you mentioned): Although Darwin briefly attended university, much of his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology was the result of his independent study and observations. Darwin's voyage on HMS Beagle and his subsequent research and writings, including "On the Origin of Species," revolutionized our understanding of the diversity of life on Earth.
These self-taught scientists exemplify the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and independent exploration in scientific discovery. Their contributions have had a profound impact on their respective fields and have advanced our understanding of the natural world.