Chapter 03 (Frankenstein (Full Cast))

01section five of frankenstein this librivox recording is in the public domain frankenstein or the modern prometheus by mary shelley section five chapter three when i had attained the age of seventeen my parents resolved that i should become a student at the university of ingolstadt i had hitherto attended the schools of geneva but my father thought it necessary for the completion of my education that i should be made acquainted with other customs than those of my native country my departure was therefore fixed at an early date but before the day resolved upon could arrive the first misfortune of my life occurred an omen as it were of my future misery elizabeth had caught the scarlet fever her illness was severe and she was in the greatest danger during her illness many arguments had been urged to persuade my mother to refrain from attending upon her she had at first yielded to our entreaties but when she heard that the life of her favourite was menaced she could no longer control her anxiety she attended her sick-bed her watchful attentions triumphed over the malignity of the distemper elizabeth was saved but the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of and will indulge a hope of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of yet from whom has not that consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of again to death of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences of the consequences I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I and Clareval, these were old familiar faces, but I believed myself totally unfitted for the company of strangers.

02Such were my reflections as I commenced my journey, but as I proceeded my spirits and hopes rose.

03I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge.

04I 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.

05Now my desires were complied with, and it would indeed have been folly to repent.

06I had sufficient leisure for these and many other reflections during my journey to Ingolstadt, which was long and fatiguing.

07At length the long white steeple of the town met my eyes.

08I alighted and was conducted to my solitary apartment to spend the evening as I pleased.

09The next morning I delivered my letters of introduction and paid a visit to some of the principal professors.

10Chance, 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 Master Kremper, professor of natural philosophy.

11He was an uncouth man, but deeply imbued in the secrets of his science.

12He asked me several questions concerning my progress in the different branches of science appertaining to natural philosophy.

13I replied carelessly, and partly in contempt, mentioned the names of my alchemists as the principal authors I had studied.

14The professor stared.

15Have you, he said, really spent your time in studying such nonsense?

16I replied in the affirmative.

17Every minute, continued Master Kremper with warmth.

18Every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly and entirely lost.

19You have burdened your memory with exploded systems and useless names.

20Good God!

21In 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?

22I little expected, in this enlightened scientific age, to find a disciple of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus.

23My dear sir, you must begin your studies entirely anew.

24So 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 Master Waldman, a fellow professor, would lecture upon chemistry, the alternate days that he omitted.

25I returned home not disappointed, for I have said that I had long considered those authors useless whom the professor reprobated.

26But I returned not at all the more inclined to recur to those studies in any shape.

27Master Krempe was a little squat man with a gruff voice and a repulsive countenance.

28The teacher, therefore, did not prepossess me in favour of his pursuits.

29In 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.

30As 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.

31Besides, I had a contempt for the uses of modern natural philosophy.

32It was very different when the masters of the science sought immortality and power.

33Such views, although futile, were grand.

34But now the scene was changed.

35The ambition of the inquirer seemed to limit itself to the annihilation of those visions on which my interest in science was chiefly founded.

36I was required to exchange chimeras of boundless grandeur for realities of little worth.

37Such 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 principal residence in my new abode.

38But as the ensuing week commenced, I thought of the information which Master Kremper had given me concerning the lectures.

39And 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 Master Waldman, whom I had never seen as he had hitherto been out of town.

40Partly from curiosity and partly from idleness, I went into the lecturing-room, which Master Waldman entered shortly after.

41The professor was very unlike his colleague.

42He appeared about fifty years of age, but with an aspect expressive of the greatest benevolence.

43A few grey hairs covered his temples, but those at the back of his head were nearly black.

44His person was short, but remarkably erect, and his voice the sweetest I have ever heard.

45He began his lecture by a recapitulation of the history of chemistry, and the various improvements made by different men of learning, pronouncing with fervor the names of the most distinguished discoverers.

46He then took a cursory view of the present state of the science, and explained many of its elementary terms.

47After having made a few preparatory experiments, he concluded with a panegyric upon modern chemistry, the terms of which I shall never forget.

48The ancient teachers of this science, said he, promised impossibilities, and performed nothing.

49The modern masters promise very little.

50They know that metals cannot be transmuted, and that the elixir of life is a chimera.

51But these philosophers, whose hands seem only made to dabble in dirt, and their eyes to pour over the microscope or crucible, have indeed performed miracles.

52They penetrate into the recesses of nature, and show how she works in her hiding-places.

53They ascend into the heavens.

54They have discovered how the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe.

55They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers.

56They can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows.

57Such were the professor's words.

58Rather, let me say, such were the words of the fate, announced to destroy me.

59As he went on, I felt as if my soul were grappling with a palpable enemy.

60One by one, the various keys were touched which formed the mechanism of my being.

61Cord after cord was sounded, and soon my mind was filled with one thought, one conception, one purpose.

62So much had to be done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein.

63More, far more, will I achieve.

64Treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.

65I closed not my eyes that night.

66My internal being was in a state of insurrection and turmoil.

67I felt that order would thence arise, but I had no power to produce it.

68By degrees, after the morning's dawn, sleep came.

69I awoke, and my yesternight's thoughts were as a dream.

70There 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.

71On the same day, I paid Master Waldman a visit.

72His 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.

73I gave him pretty nearly the same account of my former pursuits as I have given to his fellow-professor.

74He heard with attention the little narration concerning my studies, and smiled at the names of Cornelius Agrippa and Paracelsus, but without the contempt that Master Kremper had exhibited.

75He said that These were men to whose indefatigable zeal modern philosophers were indebted for most of the foundations of their knowledge.

76They 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.

77The labours of men of genius, however erroneously directed, scarcely ever fail in ultimately turning to the solid advantage of mankind.

78I 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.

79I 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.

80I requested his advice concerning the books I ought to procure.

81I am happy, said Master Waldman, to have gained a disciple, and if your application equals your ability, I have no doubt of your success.

82Chemistry is that branch of natural philosophy in which the greatest improvements have been, and may be, made.

83It 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.

84A man would make but a very sorry chemist if he attended to that department of human knowledge alone.

85If 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.

86He 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.

87He also gave me the list of books which I had requested, and I took my leave.

88Thus ended a day memorable to me.

89It decided my future destiny.

90End of section 5