Chapter 4

Victor throws himself into chemistry with extraordinary ardour, advancing rapidly under Waldman's guidance and making himself the wonder of the university in two years.

Victor attends Professor Waldman's lectures on chemistry, which electrify him and redirect his scientific ambitions toward understanding the principles of life itself.

Victor becomes consumed by his studies, spending most of his time in the laboratory and neglecting all social relationships and personal health.

Pursuing the causes of life through anatomy and dissection, Victor endures charnel-houses until a sudden brilliant light breaks through the darkness, revealing the secret of generation and life.

Victor pauses to warn the listener against his path, then describes his decision to attempt a human being of gigantic stature, beginning the collection of materials.

Victor pursues his creation with frantic energy through the summer, neglecting friends and health, haunting charnel-houses and slaughter-houses to collect materials for his hideous workshop.