Margaret Gatty was an English children's author and writer on marine biology. Some of her writings argue against Charles Darwin's Origin of Species.
Life
Gatty was born in Burnham on Crouch, Essex, the daughter of the Rev. Alexander John Scott D. D. and Mary Frances née Ryder. Her father was a linguist, scholar and Royal Navy chaplain who served under Lord Nelson. Her mother died when she was young and she took on a major caring role in the family consisting of her father, grandfather and younger sister. She and her sister were educated at home learning languages and writing poetry. The family knew a local curate Rev. Alfred Gatty, D.D. from 1837 onwards. She married him on 8 July 1839 at St Giles in the Fields, Holborn, Camden, and moved into the vicarage of the Ecclesfield Church of St Mary shortly after, on the recommendation of her uncle. She became a popular writer of tales targeted at young people, which she hoped would influence the minds of adults as well. Among her other books are Parables from Nature, Worlds not Realized, Proverbs Illustrated, and Aunt Judy's Tales. She also conducted Aunt Judy's Magazine, a family publication written by various members of Margaret's large family.
Science
Gatty became fascinated by marine biology through contact with a second cousin, Charles Henry Gatty, a Royal Society member. There may also have been influence from William Henry Harvey, whom she met while convalescing in Hastings in 1848. Thereafter she wrote a book on British seaweeds that was more accessible than previous ones on the subject. She corresponded with many great marine biologists of her day including George Busk and Robert Brown. Gatty amassed a large collection of marine material, gathered by herself and by correspondents in far corners of the British Empire. This was donated to Weston Park Museum by her daughter, Horatia Katherine Francis Gatty. Gatty's other collecting and scientific interests included sundials, which led to a book in 1872 describing 350 of them. It focused on their artistry and literary nature rather than their astronomical aspects, although it discussed historical developments. The coverage of sundials on mainland Europe and some illustrations were major contributions from a friend, Eleanor Lloyd.
Literature
While many see her interests in literature and science as independent, she used the combination of children's literature and scientific curiosity as a way to argue against Charles Darwin's Origin of Species. Primarily in Parables from Nature, Gatty could preach to children in a way they enjoyed, in which God and nature were treated concurrently. The publication of the Parables coincided with the evolutionary theories, so that her writing influenced children's attitudes towards science. It tended to have a strong moral tone, and often used religion and God to influence their upbringing. Victorian children's literature at the time was designed to teach children lessons and morals rather than capture their attention. Gatty's increased use of illustrations and folk and fairy tales meant children enjoyed reading her more.
