Reading Help Frankenstein Ch.1-9
him to accompany me and to become my fellow student, but in vain. His `
` father was a narrow-minded trader and saw idleness and ruin in the `
` aspirations and ambition of his son. Henry deeply felt the misfortune `
` of being debarred from a liberal education. He said little, but when `
` he spoke I read in his kindling eye and in his animated glance a `
` restrained but firm resolve not to be chained to the miserable details `
` of commerce. `
` `
` We sat late. We could not tear ourselves away from each other nor `
` persuade ourselves to say the word "Farewell!" It was said, and we `
` retired under the pretence of seeking repose, each fancying that the `
` other was deceived; but when at morning's dawn I descended to the `
` carriage which was to convey me away, they were all there--my father `
` again to bless me, Clerval to press my hand once more, my Elizabeth to `
` renew her entreaties that I would write often and to bestow the last `
` feminine attentions on her playmate and friend. `
` `
` I threw myself into the chaise that was to convey me away and indulged `
` in the most melancholy reflections. I, who had ever been surrounded by `
` amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow `
` mutual pleasure--I was now alone. In the university whither I was `
` going I must form my own friends and be my own protector. My life had `
` hitherto been remarkably secluded and domestic, and this had given me `
` invincible repugnance to new countenances. I loved my brothers, `
` Elizabeth, and Clerval; these were "old familiar faces," but I believed `
` myself totally unfitted for the company of strangers. Such were my `
` reflections as I commenced my journey; but as I proceeded, my spirits `
` and hopes rose. I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge. I `
` had often, when at home, thought it hard to remain during my youth `
` cooped up in one place and had longed to enter the world and take my `
` station among other human beings. Now my desires were complied with, `
` and it would, indeed, have been folly to repent. `
` `
` I had sufficient leisure for these and many other reflections during my `
` journey to Ingolstadt, which was long and fatiguing. At length the `
` high white steeple of the town met my eyes. I alighted and was `
` conducted to my solitary apartment to spend the evening as I pleased. `
` `
` The next morning I delivered my letters of introduction and paid a `
` visit to some of the principal professors. Chance--or rather the evil `
` influence, the Angel of Destruction, which asserted omnipotent sway `
` over me from the moment I turned my reluctant steps from my father's `
` door--led me first to M. Krempe, professor of natural philosophy. He `
` was an uncouth man, but deeply imbued in the secrets of his science. He `
` asked me several questions concerning my progress in the different `
` branches of science appertaining to natural philosophy. I replied `
` carelessly, and partly in contempt, mentioned the names of my `
` alchemists as the principal authors I had studied. The professor `
` stared. "Have you," he said, "really spent your time in studying such `
` nonsense?" `
` `
` I replied in the affirmative. "Every minute," continued M. Krempe with `
` warmth, "every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly `
` and entirely lost. You have burdened your memory with exploded systems `
` and useless names. Good God! In what desert land have you lived, `
` where no one was kind enough to inform you that these fancies which you `
` have so greedily imbibed are a thousand years old and as musty as they `
` are ancient? I little expected, in this enlightened and scientific `
` age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus. My dear `
` sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew." `
` `
` So saying, he stepped aside and wrote down a list of several books `
` treating of natural philosophy which he desired me to procure, and `
` dismissed me after mentioning that in the beginning of the following `
` week he intended to commence a course of lectures upon natural `
` philosophy in its general relations, and that M. Waldman, a fellow `
` professor, would lecture upon chemistry the alternate days that he `
` omitted. `
` `
` I returned home not disappointed, for I have said that I had long `
` considered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated; but I `
` returned not at all the more inclined to recur to these studies in any `
` shape. M. Krempe was a little squat man with a gruff voice and a `
` repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in `
` favour of his pursuits. In rather a too philosophical and connected a `
` strain, perhaps, I have given an account of the conclusions I had come `
` to concerning them in my early years. As a child I had not been `
` content with the results promised by the modern professors of natural `
` science. With a confusion of ideas only to be accounted for by my `
` extreme youth and my want of a guide on such matters, I had retrod the `
` steps of knowledge along the paths of time and exchanged the `
` discoveries of recent inquirers for the dreams of forgotten `
` alchemists. 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. `
` `
` Such were my reflections during the first two or three days of my `
` residence at Ingolstadt, which were chiefly spent in becoming `
` acquainted with the localities and the principal residents in my new `
` abode. But as the ensuing week commenced, I thought of the information `
` which M. Krempe had given me concerning the lectures. And although I `
` could not consent to go and hear that little conceited fellow deliver `
` sentences out of a pulpit, I recollected what he had said of M. `
` Waldman, whom I had never seen, as he had hitherto been out of town. `
` `
` Partly from curiosity and partly from idleness, I went into the `
` lecturing room, which M. Waldman entered shortly after. 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. He began his lecture by a `
` recapitulation of the history of chemistry and the various improvements `
` made by different men of learning, pronouncing with fervour the names `
` of the most distinguished discoverers. He then took a cursory view of `
` the present state of the science and explained many of its elementary `
` terms. After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded `
` with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall `
` never forget: "The ancient teachers of this science," said he, `
` "promised impossibilities and performed nothing. The modern masters `
` promise very little; they know that metals cannot be transmuted and `
` that the elixir of life is a chimera but these philosophers, whose `
` hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pore over the `
` microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles. They penetrate `
` into the recesses of nature and show how she works in her `
` hiding-places. They ascend into the heavens; they have discovered how `
` the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They have `
` acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders `
` of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with `
` its own shadows." `
` `
` Such were the professor's words--rather let me say such the words of `
` the fate--enounced to destroy me. As he went on I felt as if my soul `
` were grappling with a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were `
` touched which formed the mechanism of my being; chord after chord was `
` sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, `
` one purpose. So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of `
` Frankenstein--more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps `
` already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and `
` unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation. `
` `
` I closed not my eyes that night. My internal being was in a state of `
` insurrection and turmoil; I felt that order would thence arise, but I `
` had no power to produce it. By degrees, after the morning's dawn, `
` sleep came. I awoke, and my yesternight's thoughts were as a dream. `
` There only remained a resolution to return to my ancient studies and to `
` devote myself to a science for which I believed myself to possess a `
` natural talent. On the same day I paid M. Waldman a visit. His `
` manners in private were even more mild and attractive than in public, `
` for there was a certain dignity in his mien during his lecture which in `
` his own house was replaced by the greatest affability and kindness. I `
` gave him pretty nearly the same account of my former pursuits as I had `
` given to his fellow professor. He heard with attention the little `
` narration concerning my studies and smiled at the names of Cornelius `
` Agrippa and Paracelsus, but without the contempt that M. Krempe had `
` exhibited. He said that "These were men to whose indefatigable zeal `
` modern philosophers were indebted for most of the foundations of their `
` knowledge. They had left to us, as an easier task, to give new names `
` and arrange in connected classifications the facts which they in a `
` great degree had been the instruments of bringing to light. The `
` labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever `
` fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind." I `
` listened to his statement, which was delivered without any presumption `
` or affectation, and then added that his lecture had removed my `
` prejudices against modern chemists; I expressed myself in measured `
` terms, with the modesty and deference due from a youth to his `
` instructor, without letting escape (inexperience in life would have `
` made me ashamed) any of the enthusiasm which stimulated my intended `
` labours. I requested his advice concerning the books I ought to `
` procure. `
` `
` "I am happy," said M. Waldman, "to have gained a disciple; and if your `
` application equals your ability, I have no doubt of your success. `
` Chemistry is that branch of natural philosophy in which the greatest `
` improvements have been and may be made; it is on that account that I `
` have made it my peculiar study; but at the same time, I have not `
` neglected the other branches of science. A man would make but a very `
` sorry chemist if he attended to that department of human knowledge `
` alone. If your wish is to become really a man of science and not `
` merely a petty experimentalist, I should advise you to apply to every `
` branch of natural philosophy, including mathematics." He then took me `
` into his laboratory and explained to me the uses of his various `
` machines, instructing me as to what I ought to procure and promising me `
` the use of his own when I should have advanced far enough in the `
` science not to derange their mechanism. He also gave me the list of `
` books which I had requested, and I took my leave. `
` `
` Thus ended a day memorable to me; it decided my future destiny. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 4 `
` `
` From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the `
` most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole `
` occupation. I read with ardour those works, so full of genius and `
` discrimination, which modern inquirers have written on these subjects. `
` I attended the lectures and cultivated the acquaintance of the men of `
` science of the university, and 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. In M. Waldman I found a true friend. His gentleness was `
` never tinged by dogmatism, and his instructions were given with an air `
` of frankness and good nature that banished every idea of pedantry. In `
` a thousand ways he smoothed for me the path of knowledge and made the `
` most abstruse inquiries clear and facile to my apprehension. My `
` application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength `
` as I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often `
`
` father was a narrow-minded trader and saw idleness and ruin in the `
` aspirations and ambition of his son. Henry deeply felt the misfortune `
` of being debarred from a liberal education. He said little, but when `
` he spoke I read in his kindling eye and in his animated glance a `
` restrained but firm resolve not to be chained to the miserable details `
` of commerce. `
` `
` We sat late. We could not tear ourselves away from each other nor `
` persuade ourselves to say the word "Farewell!" It was said, and we `
` retired under the pretence of seeking repose, each fancying that the `
` other was deceived; but when at morning's dawn I descended to the `
` carriage which was to convey me away, they were all there--my father `
` again to bless me, Clerval to press my hand once more, my Elizabeth to `
` renew her entreaties that I would write often and to bestow the last `
` feminine attentions on her playmate and friend. `
` `
` I threw myself into the chaise that was to convey me away and indulged `
` in the most melancholy reflections. I, who had ever been surrounded by `
` amiable companions, continually engaged in endeavouring to bestow `
` mutual pleasure--I was now alone. In the university whither I was `
` going I must form my own friends and be my own protector. My life had `
` hitherto been remarkably secluded and domestic, and this had given me `
` invincible repugnance to new countenances. I loved my brothers, `
` Elizabeth, and Clerval; these were "old familiar faces," but I believed `
` myself totally unfitted for the company of strangers. Such were my `
` reflections as I commenced my journey; but as I proceeded, my spirits `
` and hopes rose. I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge. I `
` had often, when at home, thought it hard to remain during my youth `
` cooped up in one place and had longed to enter the world and take my `
` station among other human beings. Now my desires were complied with, `
` and it would, indeed, have been folly to repent. `
` `
` I had sufficient leisure for these and many other reflections during my `
` journey to Ingolstadt, which was long and fatiguing. At length the `
` high white steeple of the town met my eyes. I alighted and was `
` conducted to my solitary apartment to spend the evening as I pleased. `
` `
` The next morning I delivered my letters of introduction and paid a `
` visit to some of the principal professors. Chance--or rather the evil `
` influence, the Angel of Destruction, which asserted omnipotent sway `
` over me from the moment I turned my reluctant steps from my father's `
` door--led me first to M. Krempe, professor of natural philosophy. He `
` was an uncouth man, but deeply imbued in the secrets of his science. He `
` asked me several questions concerning my progress in the different `
` branches of science appertaining to natural philosophy. I replied `
` carelessly, and partly in contempt, mentioned the names of my `
` alchemists as the principal authors I had studied. The professor `
` stared. "Have you," he said, "really spent your time in studying such `
` nonsense?" `
` `
` I replied in the affirmative. "Every minute," continued M. Krempe with `
` warmth, "every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly `
` and entirely lost. You have burdened your memory with exploded systems `
` and useless names. Good God! In what desert land have you lived, `
` where no one was kind enough to inform you that these fancies which you `
` have so greedily imbibed are a thousand years old and as musty as they `
` are ancient? I little expected, in this enlightened and scientific `
` age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus. My dear `
` sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew." `
` `
` So saying, he stepped aside and wrote down a list of several books `
` treating of natural philosophy which he desired me to procure, and `
` dismissed me after mentioning that in the beginning of the following `
` week he intended to commence a course of lectures upon natural `
` philosophy in its general relations, and that M. Waldman, a fellow `
` professor, would lecture upon chemistry the alternate days that he `
` omitted. `
` `
` I returned home not disappointed, for I have said that I had long `
` considered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated; but I `
` returned not at all the more inclined to recur to these studies in any `
` shape. M. Krempe was a little squat man with a gruff voice and a `
` repulsive countenance; the teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in `
` favour of his pursuits. In rather a too philosophical and connected a `
` strain, perhaps, I have given an account of the conclusions I had come `
` to concerning them in my early years. As a child I had not been `
` content with the results promised by the modern professors of natural `
` science. With a confusion of ideas only to be accounted for by my `
` extreme youth and my want of a guide on such matters, I had retrod the `
` steps of knowledge along the paths of time and exchanged the `
` discoveries of recent inquirers for the dreams of forgotten `
` alchemists. 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. `
` `
` Such were my reflections during the first two or three days of my `
` residence at Ingolstadt, which were chiefly spent in becoming `
` acquainted with the localities and the principal residents in my new `
` abode. But as the ensuing week commenced, I thought of the information `
` which M. Krempe had given me concerning the lectures. And although I `
` could not consent to go and hear that little conceited fellow deliver `
` sentences out of a pulpit, I recollected what he had said of M. `
` Waldman, whom I had never seen, as he had hitherto been out of town. `
` `
` Partly from curiosity and partly from idleness, I went into the `
` lecturing room, which M. Waldman entered shortly after. 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. He began his lecture by a `
` recapitulation of the history of chemistry and the various improvements `
` made by different men of learning, pronouncing with fervour the names `
` of the most distinguished discoverers. He then took a cursory view of `
` the present state of the science and explained many of its elementary `
` terms. After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded `
` with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall `
` never forget: "The ancient teachers of this science," said he, `
` "promised impossibilities and performed nothing. The modern masters `
` promise very little; they know that metals cannot be transmuted and `
` that the elixir of life is a chimera but these philosophers, whose `
` hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pore over the `
` microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles. They penetrate `
` into the recesses of nature and show how she works in her `
` hiding-places. They ascend into the heavens; they have discovered how `
` the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They have `
` acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders `
` of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with `
` its own shadows." `
` `
` Such were the professor's words--rather let me say such the words of `
` the fate--enounced to destroy me. As he went on I felt as if my soul `
` were grappling with a palpable enemy; one by one the various keys were `
` touched which formed the mechanism of my being; chord after chord was `
` sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, `
` one purpose. So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of `
` Frankenstein--more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps `
` already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and `
` unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation. `
` `
` I closed not my eyes that night. My internal being was in a state of `
` insurrection and turmoil; I felt that order would thence arise, but I `
` had no power to produce it. By degrees, after the morning's dawn, `
` sleep came. I awoke, and my yesternight's thoughts were as a dream. `
` There only remained a resolution to return to my ancient studies and to `
` devote myself to a science for which I believed myself to possess a `
` natural talent. On the same day I paid M. Waldman a visit. His `
` manners in private were even more mild and attractive than in public, `
` for there was a certain dignity in his mien during his lecture which in `
` his own house was replaced by the greatest affability and kindness. I `
` gave him pretty nearly the same account of my former pursuits as I had `
` given to his fellow professor. He heard with attention the little `
` narration concerning my studies and smiled at the names of Cornelius `
` Agrippa and Paracelsus, but without the contempt that M. Krempe had `
` exhibited. He said that "These were men to whose indefatigable zeal `
` modern philosophers were indebted for most of the foundations of their `
` knowledge. They had left to us, as an easier task, to give new names `
` and arrange in connected classifications the facts which they in a `
` great degree had been the instruments of bringing to light. The `
` labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever `
` fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind." I `
` listened to his statement, which was delivered without any presumption `
` or affectation, and then added that his lecture had removed my `
` prejudices against modern chemists; I expressed myself in measured `
` terms, with the modesty and deference due from a youth to his `
` instructor, without letting escape (inexperience in life would have `
` made me ashamed) any of the enthusiasm which stimulated my intended `
` labours. I requested his advice concerning the books I ought to `
` procure. `
` `
` "I am happy," said M. Waldman, "to have gained a disciple; and if your `
` application equals your ability, I have no doubt of your success. `
` Chemistry is that branch of natural philosophy in which the greatest `
` improvements have been and may be made; it is on that account that I `
` have made it my peculiar study; but at the same time, I have not `
` neglected the other branches of science. A man would make but a very `
` sorry chemist if he attended to that department of human knowledge `
` alone. If your wish is to become really a man of science and not `
` merely a petty experimentalist, I should advise you to apply to every `
` branch of natural philosophy, including mathematics." He then took me `
` into his laboratory and explained to me the uses of his various `
` machines, instructing me as to what I ought to procure and promising me `
` the use of his own when I should have advanced far enough in the `
` science not to derange their mechanism. He also gave me the list of `
` books which I had requested, and I took my leave. `
` `
` Thus ended a day memorable to me; it decided my future destiny. `
` `
` `
` Chapter 4 `
` `
` From this day natural philosophy, and particularly chemistry, in the `
` most comprehensive sense of the term, became nearly my sole `
` occupation. I read with ardour those works, so full of genius and `
` discrimination, which modern inquirers have written on these subjects. `
` I attended the lectures and cultivated the acquaintance of the men of `
` science of the university, and 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. In M. Waldman I found a true friend. His gentleness was `
` never tinged by dogmatism, and his instructions were given with an air `
` of frankness and good nature that banished every idea of pedantry. In `
` a thousand ways he smoothed for me the path of knowledge and made the `
` most abstruse inquiries clear and facile to my apprehension. My `
` application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength `
` as I proceeded and soon became so ardent and eager that the stars often `
`