Victor Frankenstein Exposiont: His Education

The Scientists

What is it the goal of Natural Philosphy?

Cornelius Agrippa (15 September 1486 – 18 February 1535) from Cologne, Germany was a philosopher and scientist with a deep interest in the occult. He had two contradictory identities because he wrote the most widely known book on magic and all the occult arts, but also wrote numerous books pertaining to the sweeping attack on every field of human learning. He wrote about supernatural/magical beliefs. His occult philosophy was subject for many of his books but most wondered how he could write books about two strongly disagreeing topics. His contributions are key to Frankenstein because of the magical element of recreating a human being. Also, this is where Victor gets his scientific beliefs from.

Besides, I had a contempt for the uses of modern natural philosophy. It was very different when the masters of the science sought immortality and power; such views, although futile, were grand; but now the scene was changed. The ambition of the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest in science was chiefly founded. I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth.

Albertus Magnus (1193/1206 – November 15, 1280) was a German man who studied philosophy, theology, psychology and natural science. He dealt with sorcery and magic as well but mainly worked towards the peaceful coexistence of science and religion. He was beatified in the 17th Century and canonized in 1931. He made sure that the Christian faith and experimental science were not seen as two studies that did not belong together. His contributions to Frankenstein deal with his scientific beliefs. Also, his interest for sorcery and magic. However, it is also interesting how he strove towards religion and natural science being connected and Victor commits so many blasphemous acts.

Paracelsus (11 November or 17 December 1493 - 24 September 1541) originally named Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim was a German-Swiss celebrated physician and also a botanist, alchemist, astrologer, and general occultist. A large amount of his studies were towards medicine and he contributed a great deal to the understanding of treating disease. Paracelsus was unique because he relied as much on magic and superstitious beliefs as he did on scientific observations. Paracelsus is credited to giving zinc its name. His contributions are key to Frankenstein because this is where he gets his scientific beliefs from.

What is Natural Philosophy?

Summary

The Professors

Waldman

Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt, with a specialty in chemistry, and instructor of Victor Frankenstein.

Unlike Krempe, whom Frankenstein finds intellectually and physically repulsive, Waldman proves a kind and understanding teacher. Frankenstein describes him:

This professor was very unlike his colleague. He appeared about fifty years of age, but with an aspect expressive of the greatest benevolence; a few grey hairs covered his temples, but those at the back of his head were nearly black. His person was short, but remarkably erect; and his voice the sweetest I had ever heard. (1.2.6)

His lecture on the history of chemistry shows more sympathy for the alchemists who had excited Frankenstein's imagination, and from that time on, Frankenstein looks to him as a mentor and a "true friend" (1.3.1). It is Waldman who interests Frankenstein in modern chemistry

• Frankenstein's scientific ideals come from sources that are highly suspect.
• His focus of study is extremely narrow.
• He uses a small amount of information to come to profound ideas.

Natural philosophy or the philosophy of nature was the philosophical study of nature and the physical universe that was dominant before the development of modern science. It is considered to be the precursor of natural sciences such as physics.

Krempe

Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt whose instruction Victor Frankenstein resists.

Krempe, discovering Frankenstein's fondness for alchemists in their first interview, bursts out contemptuously, "Have you really spent your time in studying such nonsense?" (I:2:9). Frankenstein relates his impression of his new teacher:

M. Krempe was a little squat man, with a gruff voice and repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in favour of his doctrine. (I:2:12)

Later, though, when Frankenstein begins to apply himself to his studies, he admits, "I found even in M. Krempe a great deal of sound sense and real information, combined, it is true, with a repulsive physiognomy and manners, but not on that account the less valuable"

Their Impact

The Views of Natural Philosophy

Waldman fuels Victor's desires in Natural Philosophy...in particular those aligned with life and death.

Together both teachers narrow Victor's focus as he does not broaden his ideas.

Natural Philosophy is generally regarded is magic and alchemy by the modern scientists of the era.

It promises lofty goals and expectations in a short amount of time.

Victor Frankenstein Expostion: His Education