The two valuable notebooks of naturalist Charles Robert Darwin that were reportedly stolen from the Library of Cambridge University have been returned, two decades after they disappeared.
The notebooks, which include the 19th-century scientist's famous 1837 "Tree of Life" sketch, were returned to Cambridge University's Library in March 2022.
On Wednesday, March 9, the manuscripts reappeared and were left anonymously outside the librarian's office at the fourth floor of the 17-story building, which is not covered by security cameras, the university said in a statement on Tuesday, April 5.
The two notebooks were reportedly wrapped in plastic in a bright pink bag, and appeared undamaged. The accompanying note said: "Librarian Happy Easter X."
After "exhaustive" searches of the library's collection of 10 million books, maps and manuscripts failed to find them, they were reported stolen to police in October 2020.
At the time, the university issued a global call-out to help find the books.
"My sense of relief at the notebooks' safe return is profound and almost impossible to adequately express. Along with so many others all across the world, I was heartbroken to learn of their loss and my joy at their return is immense," Dr. Jessica Gardner, a Cambridge University librarian, said in a statement announcing the return of the notebooks.
"The notebooks can now retake their rightful place alongside the rest of the Darwin Archive at Cambridge, at the heart of the nation's cultural and scientific heritage, alongside the archives of Sir Isaac Newton and Professor Stephen Hawking," she added.
The notebooks are set to go on public display starting July as part of a Darwin exhibition at the library.
Cambridgeshire Police said that the investigation into the disappearance of the notebooks remains ongoing.
"We are following up some lines of inquiry," the force said.
"We also renew our appeal for anyone with information about the case to contact us," they added.
Darwin filled the notebooks with ideas shortly after returning from his voyage to South America and around the world on board HMS Beagle, a British naval vessel, which he served as naturalist from 1831 to 1836. (Terence Ranis)