Dr. Brian Muellers One of the greatest instances of serendipity in the history of science was the visit made by the H.M.S. Beagle to the Galapagos archipelago in 1835.

There are few other places where the circumstances of geology and geography combine so effectively to drive the process of evolution, and there was no other scientist so well prepared as Mr. Charles Robert Darwin, trained as a geologist and naturalist, to appreciate this remarkable environment.

On the eve of the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin we will examine the Galapagos through his eyes and discuss what compelled the young Mr. Darwin to begin pondering "that mystery of mysteries - the first appearance of new beings on this earth."

Dr. J Bret Bennington is an Associate Professor of Geology at Hofstra University, specializing in Paleontology and the history of life. He runs an annual study abroad program that takes students to the Galapagos Islands to learn about geology, ecology, and evolution.

Wednesday, 11/12, Senior High School, Room 140, 7-8:30 PM, $20

Register now by sending your check (payable to Garden City Schools) to: Adult Education, 56 Cathedral Av, Garden City NY 11530. Visit our website at www.gardencity.k12.ny.us for a complete list of course offerings.