Examining the Scientific Inspirations Behind Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s seminal gothic novel Frankenstein is typically regarded for its exploration of human emotions, social stigma, ambition, and trepidation. However, given its remarkable staying power as a work of science fiction, it is also worth exploring the scientific and cultural inspirations that helped create the grim world of Victor Frankenstein and his wretched creation.

In this article, we dive into the scientific inspirations behind one of the world’s most beloved novels and examine the groundbreaking advancements in science and the cultural zeitgeist that fueled the narrative of Frankenstein.

The Startling Science That Gave Birth to Frankenstein

The novel Frankenstein emerged during a time of scientific and technological marvels. Pioneers in the fields of bioelectricity and chemistry were conducting controversial experiments that began to erode the once-clear barriers between life and death, science and nature. Among the various scientific advancements that influenced the novel, the most notable include Luigi Galvani’s work with bioelectricity, Erasmus Darwin’s experiments with spontaneous generation, and the perhaps lesser-known Claudius Galenus’ assertions on anatomy and physiology.

Luigi Galvani: Sparking Life into the Dead

An Italian physician and scientist, Luigi Galvani became intrigued by electrical sparks when, in the late 18th century, he witnessed the twitching of a dead frog’s legs. This observation led Galvani to forge a direct connection between electricity and the nervous system – a discovery that became known as Galvanism.

Mary Shelley was undoubtedly fascinated by Galvani’s experiments and the ethical debates they incited. In Frankenstein, Victor’s process of reanimating the dead body of his Creature reflects Mary’s own engagement with the controversial science of Galvanism. The possibility of ‘sparking’ life into a seemingly lifeless corpse became a tantalizing prospect for Mary, who never shied away from exploring humankind’s limitations on her pages.

Erasmus Darwin and the Specter of Spontaneous Generation

Erasmus Darwin, the grandfather of the famed naturalist Charles Darwin, was a distinguished physician, botanist, and poet. He postulated theories and conducted experiments on spontaneous generation – the belief in the formation of living organisms from nonliving matter.

In conversations with various characters in Frankenstein, Victor alludes to the works of natural philosophers like Darwin. He seeks to create new life through his monster, which parallels the attempts at spontaneous generation. The moral challenges such experiments posed form an integral part of the story, as Victor Frankenstein grapples with the ‘unnatural’ creation of life and subsequently confronts the consequences of defying the natural order.

Claudius Galenus: Unearthing an Ancient Understanding of Anatomy

The ancient Greek physician Claudius Galenus, often referred to as Galen, made significant contributions to the understanding of anatomy and physiology. Although his work revolves around theories of humorism and bloodletting, his anatomical research formed the underpinnings of early medicine’s understanding of the human body.

The dissections and anatomical study that influenced Galen led to an increased need for human cadavers—something that surely inspired Victor’s grisly searches for body parts to construct his Creature. Galen’s legacy in Frankenstein is an exploration of the ‘forbidden knowledge’, offering a precursor to the ethical dilemmas that continue to plague modern medicine.

The Science and Legacy of Frankenstein

Shelley’s novel masterfully weaves the scientific achievements of her era into a powerful narrative that has persisted through time. Mary Shelley crafted a cautionary tale that expertly bares the human soul while also depicting the thrilling (and at times horrifying) potential of scientific advancements. The novel poses questions about the limits of human capability and the ethical consequences of scientific pursuit—questions that not only held relevance during the time of Galvanism but continue to echo in modern medical discoveries and advancements.