Missing For 20 Years, Two Notebooks Written By Charles Darwin 'Likely Stolen' From Cambridge University

This is not a moment Science will miss or even want to talk about again. Curators at the Cambridge University library had to finally throw in the towel and after an 'exhaustive search' admit that two notebooks¡ªone with a drawing of the 'Tree of Life'¡ªwritten by acclaimed naturalist Charles Darwin are "likely stolen."

The notebooks, estimated to be worth millions, were first found missing in January 2001 after a routine search when after being photographed, it was found that the notebooks in question were not returned to their original spot.

Julia Margaret Cameron, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The missing notebooks have now found a cozy corner in 'Psyche,' Interpol¡¯s database of stolen artworks, and on the national Art Loss Register. Cambridge Police have been notified as well.

Apart from consulting experts to help find the lost gems, the university even launched a public appeal on November 24 so ¡°someone, somewhere, may have knowledge or insight" and the notebooks return to "their proper place at the heart of the UK¡¯s cultural and scientific heritage.¡±

Also known as 'Evolution Day, it was on November 24, 1859 that Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' was originally published.

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Cambridge University LibraryThe cover of the missing 'Notebook B'

"I am heartbroken that the location of these Darwin notebooks, including Darwin¡¯s iconic ¡®Tree of Life¡¯ drawing, is currently unknown, but we¡¯re determined to do everything possible to discover what happened and will leave no stone unturned during this process," said Dr Jessica Gardner, University Librarian and Director of Library Services.

¡°This public appeal could be critical in seeing the notebooks safely return, for the benefit of all, and I would ask anyone who thinks they may be able to help to get in touch."

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Cambridge University Library/An identical archive box and Darwin notebooks similar to the B and C missing notebooks

The huge library, with shelves lined up for up to 210 kilometers and a million other manuscripts and books, continues to miss this important link between the world as we know it today and the world as first was. Given the vastness, librarians assumed the 'Transmutation notebooks' were around. But 20 years of staring that question in the face could only yield one answer.

Going over every piece of paper in the library with a fine-tooth comb will reportedly last five years.

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Cambridge University Library/Darwin's Tree of Life sketch

Perhaps the only silver lining here is that copies of the books exist in the university's digital library.

Read the appeal here.

(H/t: CNN)