Both he and Bates had read Vestiges , a controversial work of popular science , published anonymously in 1844 . This advocated an evolutionary origin for the solar system , the earth , and living things . He was also profoundly influenced by Robert Chambers ' work Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation , a highly controversial work of popular science published anonymously in 1844 that advocated an evolutionary origin for the solar system , the earth , and living things .